A dazzling range of cloth dolls made by a 77-year-old local grandmother fashioned after figures in the Chinese epic novel, "Dream of Red Mansions" are now on exhibition in the gifts and souvenirs shop at 61 Nanjing Donglu.
The exhibition gathers together lovely dolls made by Jin Liren over the past 30 years.
The highlights of the exhibition are the "Dream of Red Mansions" dolls. Also exhibited are Jin's creations after figures in many Chinese folk stories and legends, Jin's versions of Barbie dolls and even Jack and Rose from the hit movie, "Titanic".
A lovely, interesting, tiny but sprightly Shanghai lady, Jin delights in doll making. "It makes me happy, productive and contented," Jin told the Shanghai Star.
In the past Jin had only plastic dolls with Western looks to work on, but now she is happy to have Chinese-faced plastic dolls.
Formerly a skilled technician at the Shanghai Instrument and Metre Factory, Jin began making dolls in the 1970s. And after retirement in 1976, she was able to devote all her time to making the exquisite dolls at home.
Decades of doll making have won Jin great fame. Her dolls are now admired, appreciated and accepted by the general public.
"Each time I see a beauty created by my fingertips, all my hard work pays off" Jin said.
April 12-May 10
61 Nanjing Donglu
Tel: 6350-9828
Admission free
(Shanghai Star April 17, 2003)
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