Dymkovo Toy Research

The brand name 'Dymkovo toy' derives from their place of origin - the Dymkovo settlement near the city of Kirov, formerly known as Vyatka, in rural Western Russia. 

The making of these clay figurines is a form of traditional Russian folk art, primarily performed by women, which still exists within the region of Dymkovo today. 

They were originally created for ritualistic purposes for the spring festival of Svistoplyaska - 'whistle-dance' - local to the Kirov province. Women from Dymkovo would make whistles in the shape of various animals - such as goats and bears - and these would be played as part of the festival celebrations. During the 19th century rural festivals, such as this one, were big affairs, coinciding with other trade events and would continue on for several days. 

The subject of these toys developed beyond the traditional ancient motifs, of totemic animals, to depictions of characters of 19th century life in rural Russia and traditional folk tales. These colourful figurines, of fat merchant wives and elegant gentlemen, became the most recognisable of the Dymkovo toy trade. 

Late in the 19th century this traditional Russian craft fell into decline, forced out of market by factory-made plaster figurines, made to imitate porcelain. It was revived, however, in 1933 through the formation of a Vyatka toy artel, a cooperative association dedicated to craft, artisan and light industrial enterprises. During the soviet period, this artel then became a workshop of the artistic fund of the RSFSR. Today Dymkovo toys are celebrated in folk art exhibitions and make a popular Russian souvenir amongst tourists. 

These earthenware toys are moulded from a mixture of red clay, local to the Kirov province, and river sand to prevent cracking during firing. First the base of the figure is formed and then smaller components, such as the arms, are attached using watery clay. After being left to dry for several days and fired for 3 - 4 hours, they are whitewashed with chalk diluted in milk and painted with tempura of varying colours. 

The Dymkovo toys are distinguished by their bright colouring and geometric patterns, which denote certain traditional meanings - for instance a wavy line represents water and a circle with a star in the middle symbolises the sun or other celestial bodies. They are also decorated with diamonds of gold leaf, to make them look especially festive. 

Every Dymkovo toy is handmade and unique, each individual craftsmen bringing his or her own particular quality and colouring to the figurines.