Russian Matryoshka Dolls

The Russian Matryoshka is a set of painted wooden dolls nestled into one another. The concept of the “take-apart” nesting doll was borrowed from a Japanese toy and then later further developed in Russia. In provincial Russia before 1917 the names Matryona or Matryosha were the most common female names derived from the Latin root “mater” (meaning “mother”) creating the image of a solid, sturdy family matron. Today, Matryoshka remains a symbol of motherhood and fertility.

Until the late 1890’s, the first Matryoshka dolls were manufactured in the Children’s Education workshop in Moscow, later the Matryoshka began to be produced in Sergiev Pasad (Zagorsk), Maidan, Semyonov, Yoshkar-Ola, Kirov, and Nolinsk. Matryoska dolls are made of linden or birth, with the finer, hand-turned dolls being made of linden. The making of each doll requires intensive labor provided by trained artists uniquely skilled at the particular art form.

Scene: The Hare Family Year: 2004 City: Moscow # Pieces: 3 Height: 4.5 in Price: $65.00 More Info...

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