Collecting Russian Dolls

The distinctive Russian Doll brings back childhood memories to many. Whether you had a doll yourself as a child, or your grandmother. Maybe there was one at nursery school. Nevertheless, many have memories of the Doll that was typically red and yellow, which came apart and contained many smaller dolls inside.

The Semienov style doll, that so many people recall, is named after the region where this style of doll is made. Ironically, the Semienov doll is not the ‘Original’ Russian Doll that everyone believes it is. In Russia’s Doll-making history, Semienov dolls are a 1930’s copy of those originally produced in Sergiev Posad, the traditional doll-making centre since the early 1890’s. Semienov dolls were cheaply made in large factory quantities and were able to be exported to provide the much-needed hard currency for the USSR. During the Soviet period, these were the ‘official’ doll, rather than the ‘traditional’ doll.

As the Soviet period ended, a variety of colour appeared once again as the traditional doll-making centre of Sergiev Posad regained its position in producing the some of the finest quality dolls in Russia. With the vibrancy of colour came the variance of style and the collecting of Russian Matryoshka Dolls became an exciting challenge.

Types of Russian Dolls to collect

Today, Russian Matryoshka Dolls are available in many different styles, sizes, qualities and number of nests in a doll. From the inexpensive and popular traditional styles of five dolls in one floral dolls, through to highly valued fine art collectables, Russian Dolls can be enjoyed by all.

Each doll, regardless of its price, is expertly hand-turned in lime or birch wood that has been seasoned for at least three to four years. “Wooden doll blanks” are turned in nests of either 5, 7 or 10 pieces, which are then chosen by artists who creatively paint them in their own individual style.

Collecting Russian Dolls is an enjoyable pastime as there is a wide range of dolls available, styles include:

Classic styles

Dolls range from the tradition of Russian folk art encompassing a wide range of floral designs, inspirational folk tales and the symbolism of strength and unity in family dolls. Russian Fairytales are of special interest and include such well known tales as ‘The Frog Princess’ or ‘Snow White’. The choice and range of the Classic style seems utterly endless

Collectables

Includes dolls that are more specific in theme and range from animals to Famous Characters, or dolls that can be amusing or more unique in style. Our range of 3-1 Funny Animals cover both criteria.

Christian & Icons

Religion plays an important part in Russian life and culture. Our range of religious dolls range from simple wood burn “Golden Ring” Dolls that depict churches and monasteries, to the sacred ‘Mother of God’ Icon dolls that are painted in the traditional Russian Orthodox style of painting

Christmas range

It is Christmas ‘all year round’! Our extensive range of Russian Gift ideas include anything from the traditional St. Nicholas and Father Frost dolls to the now familiar Red ‘Cola’ Santa. We also have a wide range of Christmas decorations including unique carved Figurines

Connoisseur & Fine Art

The finest Artistic Quality Dolls. ‘Author Dolls’ are individual artists’ work of the finest calibre. Styles range from traditional themes and contemporary art, to the creative imagination of Russian fairytale and folklore dolls. These one-of-a-kind fine art pieces have to be seen to be believed

The 3 distinct finishes.

Lacquered Dolls

This finish is preferred by many. Lacquered dolls have a luxurious hi-gloss porcelain like finish that adds depth and vibrancy of colour to the dolls.

Wood burn dolls

Popularly known as poker work, dolls are decorated by burning a design into the wooden doll blank, using a hot poker. The doll is then decorated with golden accents that create a stunning and unique finish. Dolls vary from the floral to the classic Golden Ring dolls which depict scenes of Russian Churches.

Matt finish dolls

This style of doll is more of a traditional finish. The very first Matryoshka’s themselves were not lacquered. Painters use either acrylic, gouache or watercolour paints to create the desired matt effect. Traditionally bees wax was used as a sealer that created dolls with a matt finish.

"A gift inside a gift
inside a gift..."