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MATRYOSHKA | ROMASHKA STYLE
ORIGINS AND HISTORY:
The Matryoshka nesting dolls have become a staple of Slavic culture since their introduction to Europe in the late 1800s. Though their journey and origin span much further back than most people tend to realise. This staple of Slavic culture actually comes from ancient China, through Japan and only then ended up in Europe.
The quaint beginnings of these, now world famous dolls, actually began as nesting boxes in China around 1000 AD. Craftsmen began to work on making decorative and practical nesting boxes, which were at the time the height of packaging ingenuity. It was not until the 1700s when Chinese carpenters began experimenting with the idea of nesting dolls, and began crafting them, with the innermost doll holding a single grain of rice. These dolls soon made their way to Japan, where they took off as the Japanese had a similar tradition of doll making at the time, even nesting dolls. Similar to nesting dolls, Kokeshi Dolls and Daruma Dolls do not have arms or legs, and are hand painted with decorative bodies and simplified facial features.
In Japan the nesting dolls took on a new form from their Chinese counterparts where they were most commonly created to represent the Seven Lucky Gods from Japanese mythology. The biggest outermost doll would usually represent Fukurokuju, the Japanese god of happiness and longevity. His distinct feature was an abnormally long forehead.
The Japanese nesting dolls soon found themselves travelling the world and some sets ended up in the hands of a wealthy European art patron by the name of Savva Mamontov around 1890.
Mamontov and one of his artists, Sergei Maliutin with the help of master craftsman Vassily Zviozdochkin created the first European set of nesting dolls in the Education Workshop. Their concept was to turn the nesting dolls into a symbol for the Slavic people, which would represent the beliefs, principles and values of regular everyday people.
MAKING MATRYOSHKAS
Matryoshkas are handcrafted from Linden wood. The logs are aerated in the open for two or three years. A master woodworker decides when they are ready to be worked, so the tree trunks are cut into logs appropriate for the heights of the matryoshkas to be made.
CARVING THE WOOD
A wood carver uniquely crafts each set of wooden calipers. Multiple pieces of wood are meticulously carved into the nesting set. They are produced using a lathe equipped with balance bar; distinct types of chisels and wood carving knives, and a set of handmade wooden calipers particular to the size of a doll. The tools are hand forged by the village blacksmith.
THE PROCESS
Matryoshka-making begins with the smallest doll, this one is a solid piece. Its shape and size determine those of all the larger dolls that follow. Afterwards, the bottom half of the next doll is turned, and a ring to attach it to the upper part is made, then the upper part is made, carving the insert for the ring. Finally the woodworker puts together upper and lower half and leaves them to dry. This tightens the ring so the halves will close securely.
The woodworker does not work with measures during the process, sizing the dolls to fit each other is an art, which makes each doll unique.
PAINTING NESTING DOLLS
Each doll is covered with oil-varnish to retain moisture and prevent cracking. Then it is painted using high-quality tempera or oil. The painters are true artists who can achieve great detail, each artist likes to express their art following a theme but creating their own design each time. This is why you will find variations in the matryoshkas design compared to the photo. After the paint has dried, the dolls are finished with a protective coating of varnish or lacquer.
HOW TO OPEN YOUR MATRYOSHKA
1. Lay the nesting doll on a soft flat surface
2. Place the doll so that its seam is perpendicular to the ground.
3. Place the palm of your hand on the steam and apply light downward pressure until the doll begins to open.
4. Press as many times as needed but don’t press too hard to avoid breaking your doll
Mónica
Reviewed in Spain on May 24, 2024
Muy correctas calidad precio , bonitas
j
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2024
These dolls are well made and painted nicely; they make a nice addition to my international decor!
Ichiyon
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2024
I love these dolls, they are well made and very beautiful. The painting was done very nicely and uniquely detailed.I also enjoyed the little paper with information on the history of them and how they are made, thank you for including it.
Jacquelineepple
Reviewed in France on December 28, 2022
Pour offrir à mes deux petites filles qui adorent celle que j’ai depuis très longtemps. Elles sont totalement fascinées par ces poupées, qui sont réellement très belles .
Lindsey
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2021
I gifted these to my Mom for Mothers Day and bc of reviews was skeptical, so I had them delivered to me first, I'm So glad I was able to see how BEAUTIFUL they were first hand. They are absolutely gorgeous, well made, detailed. I was blown away, maybe some others had bad rare apples, but if your weary don't be, they are so nice I couldn't believe they didnt cost more.
Customer
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2021
I got those dolls because I am an art teacher and this year I am taking my students to different countries. This week we are traveling to Russia and I wanted them to see the real thing. Very Happy with the product. Thanks a lot!
Joaquin
Reviewed in Spain on November 17, 2021
Son muy bonitas, muy bien hechas y con colores muy claros. He comprado otras de regalo.
Donna Zabo
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2020
I purchased the blue set a while back and continue to get compliments on these beautiful ladies. The quality is perfect! They are very well painted and are all unique in style (each one is slightly different). I would definitely order more as gifts for others and for myself. I constantly see visitors pick up my dolls to look and play around with them. I am very impressed! This one is a must buy!!!!!
Leep
Reviewed in Canada on December 4, 2020
Great detail, beautiful, good price, granddaughter loved them.
Heather Haughn
Reviewed in Canada on December 29, 2020
Ordered these as a gift for my 5 year old who has been interested in nesting dolls recently. The quality was better than anticipated and she has loved playing with them. Definitely recommend
anthony thomas
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2019
The smallest doll had no face on it - just a pretty flower. Didn't bother me much because I will toss it anyway - it would b a choking hazard for granddaughters 15 month old brother But the 4 dolls remaining are beautiful, colorful and easy to open for her. Really nice set to begin a collection for her.
cathy
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2019
Beautiful! They were a gift and the recipient was thrilled! Me too- I want some!
patty strittmatter
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2019
So Cute!! I’m giving them to my granddaughter for Christmas . I opened them up and loosened them a little so it would be easier for her. I hope she will keep these forever- they are special.
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