The ‘Zagorsk’ Doll, is the traditional style of Russian Doll, originating in the City of Sergiev Posad from the 1890’s.

History & Origin

It’s strange to think that even though the Russian Matryoshka doll, a series painted wooden dolls that nest into one another, is recognised world over as being an iconic symbol of Russia. It has a history that only spans over 100 years, beside which owes it origins not to a Slavic culture stepped in medieval mystery and folklore, but has its origins several thousand miles from Russia, on a small island called Honshu off Japanese’s mainland.

The first Matryoshka in Russia was a figurine of a good-natured bald headed Buddhist sage called Fukuruma, the doll contained 4 other dolls figures nested inside the main doll. On the base of the doll it had clearly stamped Made in Japan. This doll can be seen today at the Artistic Pedagogical Museum of Toys (APMT) in Sergiev Posad.

The first true Russian Matryoshka dolls where produced in the toy workshops of A.I Mamontov, that was located in his Abramtsevo Estate near Moscow. The very first dolls produced by Mamontov, were of a simple design, based around a 8 in one doll with the outer doll being a girl dressed in a Sarafin (a traditional Russian national costume of an embroidered blouse and a colourful scarf), holding a rooster. The next doll inside was a boy that contained a girl, etc. The final 8th doll was a figure portraying a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths. The doll was stamped on the base with made in the Children’s Educational Workshop.

Early Matryoshka dolls
produced in Sergiev Posad.
c 1920-30.

The first Matryoshka’s were painted by the artist Sergei V. Malyutin who was a contemporary illustrator of children’s books. Brought up in an old merchant’s family, Malyutin was a connoisseur of Russian folk art. He used the vibrant colours and designs of traditional folk art throughout his work, whether it was used in illustrating children’s books or creating designs for Matryoshka’s - His artistic legacy now lives on in what has now become an iconic symbol of Russia and of Motherhood.

In the late 1890's the Children’s Educational Workshop was closed. At this point production of Matryoshka’s transferred to Mamontov’s craftsman training workshops in Sergiev Posad, situated 73km (45 miles) from Moscow. Sergiev Posad, was a natural step in the development of the Matryoshka, the village was renowned for its wooden toys, known as Trinity Toys after the monastery of The Trinity - St. Sergius. The monastery was originally founded in 1340, and had grown into one of the largest in Russia. It was the final destination for those wanting to venerate the resting place of St. Sergius after their long pilgrimage around the ancient merchants route known as The Golden Ring of Russia

Legend has it that the first Trinity toys where original made by St. Sergius himself, who then gave them as gifts to children. Traditionally pilgrims who had visited the monastery brought the Trinity wooden toys for their children. Even the Tsar’s children played with wooden Trinity toys, who went to Sergiev Posad to pray at the Monastery.

The art of turning and painting Matryoshka’s flourished in Sergiev Posad in the early 20th century, giving the old toy making centre a second lease of life. The traditional skills of centuries employed in workshops making wooden Trinity toys was now directed to the production of Matryoshka’s.

The original styles and designs of the Sergiev Posad "Zagorsks style" Matryoshka, quickly established this city as being the traditional doll making centre in Russia.