Matryoshka
The matryshka (матрешка) or nesting doll is one of the most recognizable symbols of Russia. However, the first matryoshka doll wasn't made until 1899. The origin of the matryoshka is actually Japanese! Sava Mamontov brought a Japanese Fukurama doll back from a trip to Japan as a gift for his wife Elizaveta. At the Children's Education Workshop, created by Mamontov's brother Anatoly, Vasily Zvezdochkin carved the first Russian version of the nesting doll and folk craft painter Sergei Malyutin painted it.
In 1900, Elizaveta Mamontova presented the dolls at the Paris Exposition, where they earned a bronze medal. Soon after, the dolls became popular in Russia and many regions developed their own unique style. You can now find matryoshka dolls with all sorts of themes including cartoon characters, politicians, athletes, and more.
The word matryoshka comes from the Russian name Matryona, which means little mother. The Russian word for mother is mat' (мать).
Color your own Matryoshka doll with this printable coloring page.
Brief history of the Matryoshka doll
Learn how Matryoshka dolls are made
You can see that different regions have different styles of Matryoshka. Polkovsky isn't a region, but derived from the word for poker since they are made using a hot poker to burn the design into the wood.
The original matryoshka by Vasily Zvyozdochkin in 1899
The biggest Matryoshka doll in the world, 72 pieces
Matryoshka Styles Across Russia
Polkhovski Maidan
The matryoshki of Polkhovski Maidan are recognizable for their bright burgundy, purple, red, and green colors. The biggest defining feature is the red rose painted on the apron.
Kirovskaye matryoshka are unique due to their smiles and that they typically have red or blonde hair. They have on head scarves and the dresses feature bouquets of flowers such as peonies, forget-me-nots, and roses.
Nolinsk Matryoshka
At a factory in Nolinsk in the Vyatsky region they started making matryoshki decorated with straw. This is the only place where matryoshki are made like this.
Semenov matroshka
The Semenov matryoshka is painted using red, blue, and yellow paints. A significant portion of the apron in unpainted wood.
