Product Description
Grandfather Frost Family. A mid-1990s set that was marketed as Kalinin's "author's matryoshka". The story is a bit convoluted, but here goes. Artist, or author, nesting dolls were in the ascension beginning the in late 1980s as traditional dolls, such as Semenov, Kirov, Kalinin, were on the decline due to the lack of government subsidy that was common before 1991. The Kalinin sets (there were other subjects, cats - for example) were apparently made in small numbers. The best factory artists were engaged to make them, and the market shifted. The original retail prices for from $80-$120 for these sets.
Painted, woodburnt, lacquered. Delightful primary colors that are the hallmark of the Kalinin style. 5¼" down to 1¾".Made in Tver when it was called Kalinin.
There are several condition issues, each shown in the pictures. The first doll has a "stress" crack on one side, and a scratch on the other. When the first piece is opened, a piece of the exposed wood is missing. Finally, a paint chip on the top of the second doll. Despite all these issues, the net effect is still and attractive set. 1 only.