The Unique Features of Matryoshka Nesting Dolls

Because of the unique approach in which one doll rests inside the other, nesting dolls are referred to as "nesting." They usually come in an odd number of dolls, with each one getting smaller and smaller until the last one is discovered within the second to last doll. The Matryoshka nesting dolls are a Russian tradition that represents motherhood, continuity, family, and fertility. Each doll represents life as it unfolds, with the tiniest representing an infant who has their entire life ahead of them.

Despite their origins in this custom, the dolls have developed to symbolize various nationalities, holidays, and even fairy tales. The dolls have begun to embody different ideals while remaining to stick to a very rigid creative art in which the dolls neatly fit one within the other.

The happy little Christmas snowman family is charmingly created and sure to please when placed beneath the Christmas tree. The largest doll is 6 inches tall, and each one is individually hand-painted with an elaborate pattern. The softwood dolls are hand carved. It appears that Daddy Snowman is carrying their Christmas tree home, while Mom is preparing some Christmas treats.

Stacking Dolls is more in keeping with the traditional Matryoshka nesting dolls in that it represents a mother and her children. The beautifully designed dolls are 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 Russian 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 a 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 from 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.