Russian nesting dolls are highly collectible form of art with a history over 100 years. These crafts are based on the idea the figures separate in half to reveal smaller and smaller dolls inside.
Russian nesting dolls are most often painted to represent peasant women and girls. Some of modern craftsmen use non-traditional styles such as animals, historical, political figured, celebrities, sport leaders, etc. Over the last century Russian nesting dolls have become one of the most enduring and collectible symbols of Russian culture. Today hand painted nesting dolls hold a special place in the hearts of those who receive them because they are so beautifully made and completely unique. Traditional Russian nesting dolls consists of young woman or girl dressed in folk costume and scarf on the head. They are associated with fertility and motherhood. When you own a Russian nesting dolls, you own not only a piece of Russian history, but a bit of its childlike wonder and magic as well. More about Russian nesting dolls history
The history of Russian nesting dolls dates back to the end of the 19th century in a time of cultural and economic development within the country. These were created in the Children's Education, which was a workshop in the estate of Abramtsevo, located in Moscow. The originals were wooden nesting dolls, which fit one inside the next (one being slightly smaller than the next.) The history of Russian nesting dolls shows that Vasily Zvyozdochkin was the first to craft them, from a design created by Sergey Malyutin. These were made of linden wood and were painted by Malyutin. It contained eight dolls. Russian Nesting Dolls
