The exhibition presents more than 80 collectible dolls from different historical eras.   February 27, G. Aytieva Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts – “Dolls of the Past” (organized by the Roza Otunbayeva Initiative International Public Foundation)   Fittingly, the exhibition was situated next to the Japanese dolls exhibition supported by the Embassy of Japan.   The exhibition presents more than 80 collectible dolls from various historical eras.   “Dolls help children develop life skills while awakening their creativity and imagination. The exhibition was designed specifically to showcase the importance of toys in child development. Further it was scheduled to coincide with International Women’s Day. The exhibition presents very rare and expensive items that are rightly considered works of art. They are passed down from generation to generation,” Roza Otunbayeva Foundation coordinator Asel Djakypbekova said.   Designer Tatiana Vorotnikova brought the biggest collection of dolls – over 600. “They take up almost an entire room – sitting on the shelves, in lockers and chests. Periodically I rearrange them. When a doll misses me, I work on their hair, sew their clothes and change their image. Each doll has its own life.”   Her collection began 15 years ago after visiting Europe. One day while strolling through a flea market she found five vintage dolls in different national dress. All of a sudden, she was sold.   Tatiana can’t decide on her favorite, but she talks fondly of a large, expensive and elaborate doll she watched being made.   “My granddaughter has grown up with these dolls. She says, ‘This is grandmother’s doll. I can only look at it,’” she adds.   Zoya Mambetalieva, an entrepreneur, also has an impressive collection. She brought to the exhibition 17 of her favorites.   “Dresses from England, Russia, the US. Every girl likes to play with dolls. I haven’t played enough since my childhood days. My most beloved doll is a common rag doll from Russia named Masha, which I left at home,” Mambetalieva said.   Erke Djumagulova manufactures felt dolls in the traditional style of many countries. While originally using other materials including tissues, Ms. Djumagulova recently moved to felt.   The exhibition runs until March 15. Anastasia Hodikina Вечерний Бишкек