Today, the Ivan Honchar Museum opened an exhibition composed of artifacts from its collection, as well from the National Academy of Sciences’ Museum of Ethnography and Crafts (Lviv), and by artisans Oksana Kohut and Ostap Soyka. As the organizers told to The Day, Yavoriv wooden toy is a significant phenomenon in the history of toy-making not only in our country, but also in Europe. The production of colorful wooden toys originated from the city of Yavoriv (Lviv oblast) and its surrounding villages. The imaginative world of Yavoriv toys covers a variety of topics connected with Ukrainians’ ordinary life and is very important in the education and development of children. These artworks are environmentally clean, and the masters always use safe dyes.
Written sources testify that wooden toys were manufactured in Yavoriv back in the 17th century! The most active period for Yavoriv toy-making was the last third of the 19th – early 20th century. The distinctive toys of Yavoriv masters reached the markets of Poland, Germany, and other European countries. In late 19th century, a toy-making school was established in Yavoriv – the first and only in Ukraine. Today the tradition continues and there is a distinctive phenomenon of Yavoriv toys. Thus, the workshop of Ostap Soyka and Oksana Kohut works productively and creates various toys: wooden horses, strollers, birds, toy furniture, rattles, beanbags and others. The artists preserve the authentic image of Yavoriv toys, which is defined by concise carpentry, bright floral motifs in yellow-green-red coloring. Ostap Soyka and Oksana Kohut are active participants of exhibitions and festivals in Ukraine and abroad.
The exhibition will be open through August 8.
