Amazing Facts About Russian Matryoshka Dolls And Who Can Buy Them

What are Russian matryoshka dolls, what's the history behind them, how are they made, and who can buy them? Well, these are some questions which come to mind when you talk about Russian nesting dolls. Here you will find all the answers to your question. Matryoshka dolls, also known as Russian nesting dolls, are beautiful art that depicts the culture of Russia. 

These amazing sets of wooden dolls are of diminishing size and are kept one in another. Matryoshka dolls are symbolic of motherhood and fertility. Matryoshka dolls generally depict a mother carrying her children within her womb, symbolising fertility and maintaining the family through the child in their womb. Matryoshka dolls represent an everlasting effect of simplicity and a fairytale-like era. You will get to know interesting facts about Russian nesting dolls in this blog. 

Who Crafted The First-Ever Matryoshka? 

In 1890 the first set of nesting dolls was created by woodworker Vasili Zvyozdochkin at a children's education workshop. The great Russian painter Sergey Malyutin designed and painted the first nesting doll at the Abramtsevo estate north of Moscow; it also served as an artist colony for most of the 19th century. Some believed that Vasili wanted to create wooden dolls with hidden toys inside them.

They designed a wooden peasant girl dressed in authentic Russian garb, including a headscarf. In 1900 matryoshka was exhibited at Exposition Universelle held in Paris, where it won the bronze m    edal for 3rd place in the toy section. From there, nesting dolls rose in popularity in such a way that now they have become national icons in Russia. 

Origin Of The Name: Matryoshka 

The name of the nesting dolls originated from the Russian traditional female names, Matriosha and Matryona. These two names are derived from the Latin word Mater, which is equal to the meaning of mother. The matryoshka dolls symbolise the significance of women being mothers in this world. They mainly depict two terms; women's fertility and motherhood.

Interesting Way Of Construction 

It's interesting to know the method of construction of these matryoshka dolls. They are entirely made of a softer wood, such as birch. It is harvested and then cured for at least two years. Then after two years, the dolls are made from a single piece of wood. Wood tends to expand and contract due to temperature; that's why a single piece of wood is taken. The first nesting dolls were presented as females. 

 There were seven more wooden toys within the original matryoshka doll, each with its distinct feature and dress style: the second doll depicts a female, the third is another female holding a scythe, and the fourth female holds a bowl; most of the people assume that is a porridge, the fifth one is a boy who is holding a long object that is believed to be a broom a fork, next in the set is again a female doll holding a sibling whose gender is not determined, the seventh one is again a young girl, and in last, there is a baby wrapped in a patchwork. A beautiful craft is done inside to outside. The dolls are painted with amazing colours and then sealed with a coat of lacquer.   

Recognized And Imported Internationally 

These unique dolls are credited to Russian artists Vasili Zvyozdochkin and Sergey Maluytin, who are responsible for their international popularity. They found their inspiration by travelling to exhibitions across Japan where the Japanese dolls called Japanese Dolls or Drama were on display. Then Vasili crafted a set of wooden nesting dolls named matryoshka dolls designed by Maluytin.

 The wife of Savva Mamontov, a Russian industrialist and an art enthusiast exhibited the dolls at Exposition Universelle, Paris, 1900. Here, the Russian matryoshka dolls earned a bronze medal and got recognition worldwide. This was the beginning of the worldwide production of Russian nesting dolls. It gained huge popularity and was now imported worldwide. 

The Matryoshka Doll Is A Symbol Of Motherhood.  

The matryoshka dolls are created in the form of females as they depict the significance of women being a mother. They are the symbol of women's fertility and motherhood. The shape is like a female having a big belly that almost illustrates a mother's figure and her importance in the family by the nesting of her "children" dolls inside.

Mothers play an important role in the traditional family, from being the bearer of life to having the capability to multiply their seeds. These are just some of them. Being a mother is not easy. The life of women being mothers is mainly depicted through matryoshka dolls. Each family member plays a distinct role in the home, with the mother serving as the home's foundation.

The Biggest Matryoshka Doll

The matryoshka dolls were gaining huge popularity, so by looking at the demand, it wouldn't be a matter of surprise that many people tried to create a world record with these dolls.There were many ambitious artists and carvers in that group.. In 2003, a Russian artist, Yulia Bereznitskaia, who set the record for the biggest nested doll, The outermost doll was 54cm, and the smallest one was 0.31cm. 

The set included 51-pieces which were wholly painted with hands. What is more interesting is that when these dolls are set adjacent to each other, they cover a distance of 3.14m in length. This was the biggest record for matryoshka dolls. 

Inspired By Japanese Drama 

How the inspiration of the origin of matryoshka dolls came into being is quite amazing. It is actually inspired by the Japanese Dolls. The first-ever nesting dolls that are ever known are the Fukurama Dolls, which had the same concept of 7 dolls placed inside each other. The Russian artist Malyutin went to the exhibition which was going on in Japan. There he got the idea of making the Russian nesting dolls, and he started crafting the matryoshka dolls according to Russian culture.   

Different Names Of Matryoshka Dolls

 There are many other names which are assigned to Matryoshka Russian Dolls, such as Babushka dolls, stacking dolls, nesting dolls, Russian tea dolls, or Russian dolls. These all are of the same kind having different names.

Who Can Buy These Matryoshka Dolls  

Matryoshka dolls are really beautiful to look at. There are now many designs that will attract you and your loved ones. These people will love to buy these dolls :

Children: Russian nesting dolls are toys, so children will love them the most. So it is best to buy these Russian dolls for children. Tell them to open it. It will be a surprising task for them as they will find many more inside one another. This will be huge fun for them. 

Homeowners: Russian dolls are so attractive that they can be great decorative items. There are many designs of these nesting dolls, so homeowners will find something interesting that will suit their interior. It is the best option for beautiful home decor. 

Travellers: Adventurous people who love to travel to different countries are mostly interested in buying the best item in that country. Those travellers, who visit Russia, need to buy matryoshka dolls. These dolls are the perfect souvenir from this country. Travellers buy something special from that country for remembrance. When visiting Russia, however, Matryoshka nested dolls are the ideal souvenir.

Gift givers: As you read earlier, nesting dolls symbolise femininity and motherhood. Russian dolls are awesome gifts to mothers or even mothers-to-be. If you are thinking about what to give your mother on her birthday or during Mother's Day, then a nesting doll will be the best item. If you are attending a baby shower and you want to give an attractive gift, then you can go for it. This gift will be best for both mother and child. 

At Last 

These were some important and interesting facts about Russian matryoshka dolls. They are unique and creative Russian items. You'll experience a cosmic-like force encompassing your spiritual being by looking at these bright and brilliantly painted wooden dolls. There is no particular age group that will enjoy nesting dolls; everybody can enjoy them. Adults and children both are fond of matryoshka dolls. So if you are planning to purchase these nesting dolls, then you can contact The Russian Treasures. We will provide you with the best quality dolls of all types. There is a regular update in our stock, so you will get something new every time.