My heritage is Russian and I have a collection of Russian Keepsakes around my home. This is one of my Matryoshka Nesting Dolls that my mother and father bought in Russia a few years back.
A set of matryoshkas consists of a wooden figure which can be pulled apart to reveal another figure of the same sort inside. It has, in turn, another figure inside, and so on. The number of nested figures is usually five or more. The shape is mostly cylindrical, rounded at the top for the head and tapered towards the bottom, but little else; the dolls have no hands (except those that are painted). Traditionally the outer layer is a woman, dressed in a sarafan. Inside, it contains other figures that may be of both genders, usually ending in a baby that does not open. The artistry is in the painting of each doll, which can be extremely elaborate.
Matryoshkas are often designed to follow a particular theme, for instance peasant girls in traditional dress, but the theme can be anything, from fairy tale characters to Soviet leaders.
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The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Hi,
Very elaborate Matryoshka dolls.
Look how each doll differs from the other, yet are same family.
Love them.
From Felisol
These dolls are nice, and when our kids were little, it was a surprise to them when a smaller doll would be inside, and another, etc. I must say that where one doll is great, several dolls are even more fun. Until all the dolls were lost. A collectible vs a toy. The toy won out…
Matryoshkas are great fun… such a surprise the first time someone see one. 😉
I was in Russia in 1975. Amazing times. I have no idea why I didn’t buy a set of those back then. I did buy a wonderful blue tea set in Poland. I love when the Matryoshkas have such tiny dolls included.
These are so fun! Someone gave me one but I only had 5 or 6 dolls. Yours is terrific and colorful!
Hi Ellen, your dolls are very pretty. And a lot higher quality looking than those we bought off the streets in Russia. Nevertheless we have some as souvenirs. I am glad. 🙂
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Oh I love these dolls, they’re so colorful and fun!
You’ve got a beautiful set of Matryoshka dolls.
I love these dolls, my dad got them for me when I was really young. The tiniest one is missing from the set and there’s no way I can replace it.
Happy Ruby Tuesday Ellen!
We were at Disneyland at Tuesday the 4th. I was surprised how many people were there that day. That is cool that you take time to walk along the beach every week. Thanks for visiting me. Oh I love the nesting dolls. So pretty!
Wow! So interesting and cute dolls and u have so many of them!
It Meows #7 and It Meows #8
Very big impressive set, and a great choice for RT :).
Thanks for telling us all about the dolls. I have a set my neighbour gave me after one of her trips…and you know, despite all the times the grandkids and others have played with them, I couldnt tell you whether each one was slightly different from the other..I must go look
Thanks ellen!
Annie
What a lovely Matryoshka dolls! I have some of them myself and I love them!
I have ZERO Russian heritage, but have always been drawn to Matryoshka dolls. Yours are beautiful!
My maternal grandparents came to the US from Russia. Unfortunately they needed to leave quickly and took very little with them. I remember my Nana talking about these dolls.
They are beautiful and you presented them perfectly!
They are lovely ! I have two sets too !
Wow! Call me sheltered but I have never actually known what these dolls were for/where they came from.
Thank you!
Beautiful and delightful! I recently visited a friend who has a row just like yours — on the top of her living room valence for all to enjoy.
Thanks, too, for the Bavarian Apple Pie recipe. Looks delish!
LaTeaDah
There’s just something about the martyoshka doll — I love your set — it is so substantial!
I always enjoy and treasure the little glimpses into Russia that you offer! I wish you lived nearby, I’d love for my girls (Russian-born and raised) to meet/know you!
I have a set of these Russian dolls. I never knew their proper name before.
Happy Belated Ruby Tuesday!