Some dolls are not toys. They are works of art, as eccentric as their creators themselves. An exhibition of unique dolls has opened to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Moscow association of doll-makers.

Of course there are many cute little toys at the display, but most of the items have been made to represent some idea rather than to be an interior decoration.

The interest in handmade dolls is growing around the world, with an increasing number of both collectors and artists creating little sculptures as they prefer to call them.

“There are obsessive collectors who really can't let their childhood go. They buy many dolls. There are 500 items or even more in their collections. Some celebrities like to collect dolls too, such as famous Russian actress Chulpan Khamatova and Hollywood star Demi Moore,” said doll-maker Natalya Nikulina.

The display is on at Moscow's M'ARS contemporary art centre until May 25.