Nesting dolls are referred to “nesting” because of the unique way in which one doll rests inside the other. They generally come in an odd number of dolls with the dolls created in a gradually smaller size until the last doll in uncovered within the second to the last. The tradition of the Russian Matryoshka nesting dolls is one which represents motherhood, continuity, family, and fertility. Each doll represents life as it opens to reveal another and the smallest is generally an infant which has their entire life ahead of them.
Although the dolls originated in this tradition they have evolved into dolls which represent different ethnicities, holidays, and even fairy tales. The dolls, while still adhering to a very strict creative art in which the dolls neatly fit one within the other, have now begun to embody other ideas.
This happy little Christmas snowman family is delightfully designed and sure to excite someone when left under their tree for Christmas. The largest doll stands 6 inches doll and each one is hand painted with the intricate design. The dolls are hand carved from soft wood. Looks like the Daddy snowman is bringing home their Christmas tree and Mom whipping up some Christmas goodies.
This selection, named Natasha, is more in keeping with the traditional Matryoshka nesting dolls in that it represents a mother and her children. The beautifully designed dolls individually created. This is not an assembly line product, but a traditional art and no two would be exactly alike as they are made one at a time. This unique art began many years ago and can only be duplicated by a skilled craftsman who has been trained in this art.
Notice that while the shape is similar there are differences. There is a difference in the base of the largest doll. It appears to have feet. Some of the dolls appear to be perfectly oval. Others have curves, but most are oblong. The design demands that each one neatly fit inside the other, so a fine science of mathematic calculations must be used. You might not be able to fit the baby to this set inside the second to the smallest in each set. They are unique and individual.
Some sets actually have several dozen dolls, others only one but most have at least five.
The pretty floral design and upbeat colors are sure to please. The faces are happily smiling and brightly painted like ladies made up for a night out on the town. The clothing is designed to be in keeping with traditional Russian garb.
The Matryoshka dolls represent a part of Russian history and tradition. They make wonderful keepsakes, collection items and or gifts. The dolls have been used to store precious items or spices and to aid in the celebration of holidays, special events and storytelling. The wonderful old age technique is represented in this art form which still lives today and is passed on to very skilled craftsmen.
They have been designed to represent world leaders, sports heroes, animals, fairy tales, cartoon characters, families, holidays and pop culture icons. They are carefully created to nest within one another and have become more popular because of their history which is steeped in tradition and carried forward in the loving art in which they are created.
In the peasant Russian tongue the word Matryoshka means mother. They make a wonderful gift to young woman who is embarking upon marriage and motherhood. The pieces are collector’s items and make a sweet and sentimental item to pass on generation to generation. When you own a set of these dolls you not only own something handcrafted by a talented artist but you own a part of Russian history and tradition.
