In Old Russia before the revolution the name Matryoshka was a very popular female name. It was derived from the Latin root 'mater' which means 'mother'. The name was associated with the image of a staid and sturdy mother of a big family. It also represents "Mother" Russia, the heartland.  Subsequently, it became a symbolic name and was used specially to describe brightly painted wooden dolls made in such a way that they could be taken apart to reveal smaller dolls fitting inside one another. 

Note: High humidity will cause dolls to swell, making it difficult to take apart.  Proper method is to gently twist apart but don't force doll.  Put it aside until humidity is lower for a day or two.  Use Ivory bar soap to lubricate

Matryoshka Dolls, nesting dolls, are sets of hollow turned dolls where the dolls are nested one inside the other. Each doll is related to every doll in the set - they might carry a single theme (Santa and his elves) or each doll might be similar in nature (a set of dogs with the smallest being a bone), or represent members of a family, or political figures. The traditional and some more innovative Matryoshka dolls are available today.

There is a trend towards recognizing Matryoshka artists and signed one-of-a-kinds are sometimes available

Russian Father Frost

Here is one of the many talented Russian artists working in his home. This artist is a graduate of the famous Bogorodskoye carving school located outside Moscow founded by a family who have been famous carvers for over 400 years.  Carved from Linden wood and hand decorated with up to 20 coats of lacquer 

Father Frost Nesting Doll with City & Sleigh Scene

Then Inside are 14 Russian Children

15 Pieces - Has Exquisite Lacquer Work

(see right hand picture below)

Largest is 11.5"H x 6"W x 6"D

Smallest is 3/8"h

$ 485.00

Signed: Ahatornn Bakatnn

(click to Enlarge)

Father Frost w/Russian Girl

14"H x 9"W x 6"D

$ 785.00

Signed: Mnxahobbi

Father Frost Nesting Doll with Toys

10 Pieces - Note Embellishments on first 4 Dolls

(see right hand picture below)

Largest is 9"H x 4.85"W x 4.85"D

Smallest is a Penguin - 1/2"h

$ 345.00

Signed: Mockba Mapuka

Father Frost

Santa w/Scepter - Princess on Front, Sleigh on Back

12"H x 7.25"W x 3.25"D

$ 395

Sorry - SOLD

Signed: Wectogahcknn

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

Nesting Doll

"Three Soldiers"

3 Doll Set

Largest - 3.25"W x 6.25"H

Smallest is 1.75"H

Pattern: Soldiers

Signed: V. Partanen

$ 52.50

(Click on Picture to Enlarge) 

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

Andreev Father Frost

Santa w/Gift Bag & Tree

10.25"H x 4.25"W x 5"D

$ 148.50

Item is Not Signed

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

Father Frost

Santa w/Fiddle

6.25"H x 4.75"W x 3.5"D

$ 98.50

Signed: Jcozopogcno

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

Nesting Doll

"The Lion Family"

5 Doll Set

Largest - 4.25"W x 6.25"H

Smallest is .85"H

Pattern: Lions

Signed: AK.

$ 79.50

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

Father Frost

Santa w/Tree

5.5"H x 3.5"W x 2"D

$ 68.50

Sorry - Sold

Signed

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

Father Frost

Santa w/Gift Bag & Bell

8.25"H x 4.25"W x 2"D

$ 118.50

Sorry - Sold

Item is Not Signed

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

Father Frost

Santa w/Gift Bag & Scepter

8."H x 3"W x 2.25"D

$ 78.50

Item is Signed

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)

The finish and colors of these samples, as shown on our website, show approximate colors.   Because of the variation of coloring in digital photographing, and the varying qualities of computer monitors, you should be aware that there may be some color variance from these screen samples to the actual finish sample.  We have tried to eliminate as many variables as possible to try to produce colors and shades as close to the original as possible.

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