Russian Nesting Dolls (Matreoshkas)
Matrioshka is probably the most known Russian souvenir. Originally it was made as a symbol of motherhood. That's why this doll was a popular gift for newlyweds or young girls. In old time people used to believe that young girl should be full figured, beautiful and blushing to be able to become good mother and hard working wife, that's why Matrioshka was made so round shaped, with shiny eyes and red cheeks. This doll is symbol of health and beauty and it was believed to bring good luck to anyone.
The first dolls were made in the town Sergiev-Posad, former Zagorsk, which is not far from Moscow, and is exposed in the local museum.
There are practically hundreds of villages where Matrioshka dolls have been made for generations. There are a number of villages that are known for their traditional designs. Here are some of them: Maiden, Kirov, Brest, and Semionov.
Every set is hand-carved and hand-painted. Most of the dolls are made out of birch, although some are made of lime tree or other special wood, depending on the technique the artist has in mind (wood burning, watercolor, etc.). The whole set has to be made out of the same chunk of wood. That condition is a must and insures that every piece will react in the same fashion to changing temperature and climate conditions.
Beside the traditional designs, the collectible Matrioshka dolls depict scenes from the Russian fairy tales, Russian churches an architecture of the Russian cities and towns, life scenes of the Russian people, political leaders, sport, animals, other Russian arts.
In a way it also is a symbol of Russia- just look at it brings anyone to thoughts about Russia. It’s not just a great souvenir, gift or a toy. Many times it’s a treasure, piece of art. If you ever get in your hands a really beautiful and fine one- you’ll never want to let it go. It’ll never become a dust collector on your shelve like some bad taste cheap little things you might find in gift shops- it’ll become your pride and object to brag about to the visitors of your house.
Traditional Matrioshkas are believed to bring good luck and happiness into your house. The fairy-tale ones are telling you story as you find more and more details of it opening them, because every next one of them has next episode of intriguing story beautifully painted on it! And of course political ones - are just bringing more fun into your life every time you’re looking at them. Sport and animal ones are made for the people who has an active life and enjoys it. And of course fine and elegant ones and just delightful for your eye.