A Matryoshka doll set consists of a wooden figure, which can be separated into two pieces, one top and one bottom. Inside you’ll find a smaller Matryoshka doll, and inside that another and then another and so on, till you reach the innermost layer. Traditionally, each Matryoshka doll set contains five nested dolls. However, depending on the availability of materials and the craftsperson’s skill, there can be several nested dolls inside the main doll. There are Matryoshka doll sets with several dozens of superiorly crafted fine dolls nestled inside them. Read on to know more about the different types of Matryoshka dolls in the market. Each type comes from a different named region as detailed in this article.

Semenov Matryoshka Dolls

These dolls are created in the traditional Russian nested doll style and are painted using aniline dyes. The focal point of these dolls is the apron, which will contain a large asymmetrical flower bouquet. These dolls feature three colors, viz., red, yellow, and green. The headscarf worn by the dolls often contain a spiral design.

Kirov Or Vyatka Matryoshka Dolls

If you own a set of Matryoshka dolls with rounded, child-like facial features, you know you own a set of the Vyatka type of craftsmanship. These dolls are painted in bright colors with colorful flowers on the aprons worn by the dolls.  The lips are usually painted following a heart shape, giving the whole face a cherubic, angelic look. These dolls are very pretty to look at and very popular with children.

Kalinin Or Tver Matryoshka Dolls

These dolls are created using a wood-burned design that brings forward the details on the dolls’ clothing. Bright colors are used to adorn these dolls. Non-stylized apron designs are painted on these dolls to distinguish them as Tver Matryoshka dolls.

Polkhovsky Maidan Matryoshka Dolls

These are stylized dolls, with curly hairstyles that spread out in spirals. Matryoshka doll sets from Polkhovsky Maidan are brightly colored, predominantly by reds, yellows and greens.

Sergiev-Posad Matryoshka Dolls

The Sergiev-Posad Matryoshka dolls are modern in appearance, perhaps more so than the dolls produced in other regions. The faces and bodies of these dolls are painted in great detail. The designs go beyond just updating the traditional floral apron.  These dolls are obviously popular and are collected for their design aspects, style variations, bright coloring and appeal.