Gypsy Nesting Doll [India]

Product Description

Gypsy Family [जिप्सी]. 5-nested doll made in India circa mid-1980s. The painting is well done in a folk art manner. The indigenous wood is a hardwood, that differs from standard Russian linden or birch. The lacquer is polished to a high gloss. This set was made when folk art was common and goods from India were cost-effective for importers into US and elsewhere. MADE IN INDIA labels on four of five pieces. 5¼" down to 1½". About fine condition, 1 only.

The manufacture of matryoshka dolls made outside of Russia found India in competition with the Chinese, as well as Russia. Some workshops in India manufactured a sophisticated product (which is more likely today), and copied Russian themes. This is true of Chinese dolls which today often appear for sale in large online marketplaces. Indian dolls, by comparison, were, and are, more scarce.

For a description of dolls from India, refer to Collector's Guide to Nesting Dolls by Michele Lefkovitz, pg 111-132.