"Matroyshka" - the word may not be at once recognisable but there can't be many population who aren't aware of Russia's most notable and endearing souvenir - best known as the perfect nesting dolls. With a history spanning over a century, the Matroyshka has become a symbol of motherhood from the very heart of Russia.
The craftsman who created the very first Matroyshka dolls in the late 1890's was one Vasily Zviozdochkin, at the Children's study Workshop in Sergiev Possad near Moscow. This Workshop brought together a handful of pro artists and skilled craftsmen who were devoted to preserving Russian peasant crafts. This doll was made in such an innovative way that it could be taken apart to quote smaller dolls hidden away inside one another - the smallest form representing the baby of the family!
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Before the Russian Revolution, the name "Matroyshka" was a favorite option for girls, as it was derived from the Latin root "mater" meaning mother. The name was connected with the image of a wholesome mother form and subsequently the word became a natural option when it came to naming the nesting dolls.
Sassy Developmental Wonder Wheel Suction Toy Review
Sassy Developmental Wonder Wheel Suction Toy Feature
- 2011 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award
- Cascading beads capture baby's attention
- Spinning wheel engages the concept of cause and effect
- Suction cup for easy tray attachment,Great for highchair
- Large wheel spins easily as baby bats at it
Sassy Developmental Wonder Wheel Suction Toy Overview
Sassy Wonder Wheel
Cascading beads capture baby's attention. The spinning wheel engages the concept of cause and effect. It's great for a highchair.
- Product Dimensions (inches): 7 (L) x 4.5 (W) x 3 (H)
- Age: 6 months and up
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The first Matroshka doll was painted in watercolours by the artist Sergey Malutin and he painted a peasant family, the largest of which he dressed in colourful scarf, apron and sarafan, the traditional Russian costume of a Russian peasant mother. He also painted this form cradling a black rooster in her arms. Poultry have always been treated as pets by Russian villagers, so this was a favorite option by Sergey! The faces painted on these early Matroyshka dolls were oval with quite large heads, making the face dominate the whole body and so the dolls appear quite primitive.
The remaining seven wooden pieces which nestled inside this larger form represented other siblings, each painted carrying a distinct household item, such as a broom, a bowl of porridge, a sickle and a baby brother! This was the smallest piece, which couldn't be taken apart and was painted as a baby wrapped in a quilt to show the warm, nurturing facet of the dolls.
This set was known as the "Rooster Girl" and has been reproduced countless times since its first crafting. You can find the traditional in the Toy Museum at Sergiev Possad.
Besides these traditional designs such as these, the Matroyshka dolls were painted with scenes from Russian fairy tales and legends, Russian architecture, together with religious and historic scenes. Iconography is still favorite with sets depicting Lenin, political figures and even celebrities! Each intricate invent is unique in its own personel way and is a work of art to be admired and treasured.
So, how exactly are these beautifully crafted dolls made? Well, the basic techniques have remained unchanged over the years, as skilled artisans craft the dolls from aspen, birch or alder. The trees are left to season for two years in the air until they are judged ready for carving on turning lathes. No plans or definite measurements are used, as each doll created is born out of the craftsman's keen eye and skill with his tools.
Many distinct styles of Matroyshka are available, each distinct from the other. There are those from the region of Semionovo which are notable for containing many pieces, the largest to date consisting of seventy two dolls! This piece was made in 1970, stands three feet tall and is dedicated to Lenin's birthday.
Polkhovsky Maidan, which is situated to the south-west of Nizhny Novgorod, is home to another style of Matroyshka. The first doll was made here in the 1930's and today these dolls are still recognisable by their primitive peasant designs in captivating greens, yellows, blues and crimsons. The flowering dog-rose was also thought about a main element of the designs, as this flower was thought about a symbol of femininity, love and motherhood.
There are many old sets still in existence in collections today and some of the most unusual depict the "boyars" or old Russian noblemen and these sets can fetch hefty sums of money when sold.
In old Russia, Matroyshkas were passed from one generation to another and today, they still remain an all-embracing symbol of Russian folk art. The dolls are still as favorite today as they have ever been and are bought by tourists all over the world visiting Russia. Two Matroyshka were even created specially and taken into orbit on June 29th 1982 by Russian astronauts!
Today's economic climate has made it harder for Russian craftsmen to buy the raw materials needed to continue creating these dolls, although there are still three main centres of output in Russia today - Sergiev Possad, Semionovo and Gorodezt. Here, craftsmen and women still yield the gorgeous hand-crafted Matroyshka which surely are unique works of art, capturing the imagination of all who see them. No trip to Russia seems unblemished without bringing home a set of these at once recognisable nesting dolls.
Matroyshka - Russia's Most Recognisable SouvenirRecommend : baby toys diamond earing jewelry
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