Exquisitely carved wooden
sculptures, toys and figures come from the ancient settlement of
Bogorodskoye (pop. 9000) where master wood carvers handed down their
traditions over many generations. The village was formerly known as
Medvezhy Ugol (Bear Corner) because of the thick woods
surrounding it. Peter the Great played with wooden toy soldiers made here over 300 years ago. Simple and fascinating, the
action of a twirling wooden ball on a string makes the bear (a favorite
character, but not an exclusive one) perform complex actions, such as playing
the drums, a piano, or at chess, or masterfully juggle colored balls. Some of the toys are
activated by a push-button action.
These carvings are prized by
collectors young and old. Some favorites nclude: Bear Playing Piano, A Bear Showering, Rabbit Rowing a Boat,
Bear Roasting Mushrooms and many, many
more. And why are the carvings seldom
painted? One reason is that white wood provides a natural warmth that painted wood does not.
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