Matryoska Dolls

Russian nesting dolls, one of the primary souvenirs of Russia and widely made throughout the state. It all began at a traditional Saturday meeting (1890) when an attendee brought a Japanese figurine that seemed to nest in one another. It was the entertainment of many near and around, shortly thereafter a true nesting doll appeared, it is believed to be created and made by a unknown monk. Matryoska was a common peasant name, it is said to mean "mother". It is also no mistake that the doll is made plump.
In Sergiev Posad, 45 miles from Moscow, the first toy shoppe for these Russian nesting dolls was born, it is said they made, as the group of dolls, members of families, historical themes, legendary warriors and book characters. Usually made in pieces ranging from 2 in a set, to 24 in a set. By 1913 the first 48 piece set was made and then again in 1967, a 60 piece. By the 1980's the pieces were restricted to ten for children learning to count. Matryoska dolls were painted gouache with a cover of varnish.

Mine is a Nutcracker, celebrating the ballet. C&G Design