China factory production error gives toy horses’ mouths pouty curves, wins hearts, boosts sales
Sewing mistake spawns unlikely retail hit seen as fitting mascot for approaching Lunar New Year of the Horse
A production blunder at a factory in eastern China has turned toy ponies into viral crying-faced horses which have become popular mascots for the Year of the Horse.
In January, a netizen shared a picture of a pony with a crying face and the retailer, amused by the mistake, offered to exchange it.
The toy was made in Yiwu International Trade City, which is known as the world’s largest wholesale market for small commodities.
The 20cm tall horse which costs 25 yuan (US$4), symbolises the Year of the Horse and is red for good luck. It also features a golden “money comes quickly” message embroidered on its body.
According to mainland media outlet People’s Daily, a sewing error caused the toy’s pouty mouth and nostrils facing downwards, creating a crying face that was originally seen as a defect.
However, many netizens have embraced the imperfection, dubbing the flawed toy “Crying Horse”.
A buyer, known online as Tuan Tuan Mami, said online: “This little horse looks so sad and pitiful, just like the way I feel at work.