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Yimianpo's Artisans Revive Century-Old Matryoshka Doll Tradition

11/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Yimianpo, China, artisans create matryoshka dolls, also known as tao wa.
The tradition dates back over a century and features hollow wooden figures that nest.
Yimianpo lies 125 miles from the Russian border and became a 19th-century stop as the Russian Empire expanded eastward.
A recent workshop visit shows artisans carving dolls from linden wood with traditional tools.
The craft reflects cultural exchange between Russia and China through art.

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Story summary

In Yimianpo, China, artisans create matryoshka dolls, also known as tao wa.
The tradition dates back over a century and features hollow wooden figures that nest.
Yimianpo lies 125 miles from the Russian border and became a 19th-century stop as the Russian Empire expanded eastward.
A recent workshop visit shows artisans carving dolls from linden wood with traditional tools.
The craft reflects cultural exchange between Russia and China through art.