One of the most common habits in the world, collecting is defined as seeking, obtaining, cataloging and storing items that the collector has an interest in. The scope of collection can vary immensely, some of the most common are: books, art, toys, records, etc.
You may be wondering, why do people collect? The answer can be as varied as the types of collections. Some do for the emotional attachment, for fun, for the glory of having a collection or even without realizing. However, what most don’t know is that the act of collecting is linked with basic human instinct.
In order to survive natural selection, our ancestors had to use many different skills and techniques, including gathering and accumulating objects, food and weapons, a habit that allowed them to endure natural obstacles and animal attacks. Therefore, it is logical that we feel the need to have things.
Moreover, this habit offers many advantages. Hunting and seeking special items often comes accompanied by great stories, collecting old pieces brings a nostalgic feeling in a world full of change,and in a financial extension some pieces can be sold for as twice as much of the original price. Nonetheless, we can all agree that having a collection, no matter the category, is pretty amazing.
Meet The Second Biggest Doll Collector In The World – Jian Yang
With over 12,000 dolls and author of Flushable Fashion, Yang never had an intention of starting a collection. “I don’t think I’ve ever called it a collection, nor have I referred to myself as a “collector”, he says.
Barbie was just another toy in his box. However, while he outgrew the others, Barbie remained in his interest. In his words, “I started appreciating Barbies representing characters from movies and tv shows, fashion icons, music icons, art icons, so those started being bought.
As cited early, this habit comes with many advantages. For Jian Yang, being a collector has given him many opportunities, such as publishing his own book, Flushable Fashion, giving a TEDx Talk, having his own private exhibition, and being featured in many magazines, such as VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar and NYLON.
To appreciate his collection you can follow Jian Yang on Instagram! Watch the video to find out how he has evolved from a doll collector to a published author, a photographer and being internet famous.
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The article above was edited by Lívia Carvalho.
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