Russian Dolls
The very first Russian Matryoshka Doll was made in the 1880's. The principal of Matryoshka, as a set of nesting dolls was borrowed from ancient Japan. A Russian merchant brought to Moscow a bone-carved image of a Japanese sage called Fukuruma within which nested several other images inside thus symbolising the everlasting chain of life.
The manufacture of Matryoshkas is based on skills passed from father to son and involves a lot of hard work. The material used is Russian silver birch or lime tree.The trees are cut in early Spring. The logs are cut into blocks of the needed length and installed on a lathe.
The craftsmen start always with a small doll and always the bottom part is cut first. Then the dolls are polished with sand paper and delivered for hand painting. The painting technique varies from region to region. In Sergiev Posad for example the paint is applied directly to the fresh wood surface and sometimes a coat of varnish is given. In Semenovo of Nishy Novgorod each doll is first given three coats of potato glue and then hand painted with aniline paint, followed by varnish coatings.
Today the name of Matryoshka is incorrectly given to all wooden dolls made in Russia. Traditionally Matryoshkas are nesting dolls. It is a girl dressed in a sarafan and wearing a kerchief. She is called Matryoshka from the Russian name Matryona.
We stock a wide range of Russian dolls, both in style, colour, and number of dolls per set. Please call 0141 332 3300 for up to date details and prices.Please note that the Russian Dolls do not carry a CE mark.
