Matryoshka dolls are traditional Russian toys consisting of nested wooden figurines. The largest doll contains a series of progressively smaller, similarly painted dolls inside. These toys are typically designed in the form of a Russian peasant woman, adorned with a headscarf and colorful clothing. As an example of fine wood craftsmanship, matryoshkas are notable for being handmade and hand-painted. In addition to traditional models, today’s designs include political figures, celebrities, and even popular culture characters.
Matryoshkas symbolize motherhood and family bonds. The smaller dolls emerging from the largest one represent a mother’s children and her extended family. Today, they are not only an important symbol of Russian culture but also a popular souvenir worldwide.
Matryoshka dolls (Photograph: Couleur, pixabay.com)
History
Although matryoshka dolls are among the most recognizable symbols of Russian culture, their origins do not lie directly within Russia. These nested wooden toys first appeared in the late 19th century. In the 1890s, Russian artist Sergey Malyutin and master craftsman Vasili Zvyozdochkin designed the first matryoshka dolls. However, the inspiration for these figures came from wooden figurines called Fukurama, which were brought from Japan to Russia. In Japan, the Fukurama figures, known as the “seven gods of good fortune,” consisted of a set of nested small statuettes. Inspired by this concept, Russian artists reimagined the dolls in a way that suited their own traditions, naming them “matryoshka.” The word matryoshka is derived from “Matryona,” a common female name in Russia, and means “little mother.”
Matryoshka dolls quickly gained popularity and began to be recognized internationally after being exhibited at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1900. At the fair, these toys, which won a bronze medal, rapidly became one of the important symbols of Russian folk art and craftsmanship. From the early 20th century onward, matryoshkas produced in various regions of Russia diversified into different designs and themes. Some dolls were made to represent prominent figures of Tsarist Russia, while others depicted fairy tale heroes.
During the Soviet era, matryoshka dolls were also used as an ideological tool. Political matryoshkas featuring figures of leaders became especially popular souvenirs for tourists during this period. Dolls portraying leaders from Lenin to Stalin, and from Gorbachev to Putin, attracted the interest of Western tourists during the Cold War. Additionally, sets depicting artists and literary characters were produced, and this tradition continues to this day.
Matryoshka dolls (Photograph: Semppis, pixabay.com)
Today, matryoshka dolls continue to be produced in both traditional and modern designs. Regions such as Sergiyev Posad, Semionov, and Vyatka are known as centers of matryoshka production. These toys, made with traditional craftsmanship, remain an enduring and significant part of Russian folk art.
Production Process and Techniques
The making of Matryoshka dolls requires skill and precision. Each doll is completed through a series of stages, beginning with the preparation of the selected wood and extending to hand painting and varnishing. Matryoshkas produced by traditional methods are considered beautiful examples of craftsmanship with their unique designs.
Typically, woods such as linden, birch, poplar, or beech are used in the production of Matryoshkas. Linden, the most commonly used material, is preferred for its light weight and ease of processing. The trees are usually cut during the spring when they contain abundant resin. The felled logs are then dried outdoors for about two years. During this period, the wood is periodically turned to prevent cracking and warping, and the ends of the logs are treated with special protective substances.
Once the wood has dried, it is processed on lathes to form cylindrical shapes. The production of Matryoshkas begins with the smallest doll and progresses toward the largest. After the smallest doll is completely carved and shaped, work moves on to the other dolls. The top and bottom parts of each doll are carved separately so that they can nest inside one another. After the wood is shaped, it is sanded to achieve a smooth surface. In traditional Matryoshka production, artisans strive to obtain a flawless surface entirely by hand, down to the finest details.
Matryoshkas are typically decorated with hand painting. In the initial stage, the basic outlines of the figure are drawn, and then traditional motifs are added. Traditional Matryoshka figures are generally designed in the form of a peasant woman wearing a headscarf and folk attire.
While water-soluble gouache paints are used in traditional Matryoshkas, modern Matryoshkas often employ acrylic paints. In some special pieces, metallic paints and gold leaf details are added to achieve a more brilliant appearance. Artists also use light and shadow effects to give the figures a more realistic look.
Matryoshka dolls painting (Photograph: Falco, pixabay.com)
After the painting process is completed, the dolls are varnished to ensure their longevity. The varnish not only provides a shiny finish but also prevents the paint from fading over time. In traditional production, natural resin-based varnishes are used, while synthetic varnishes are preferred in modern production.
Once the varnishing stage is completed, the Matryoshkas undergo final inspections to ensure that they nest correctly. After being checked, each doll is ready for sale or display.
