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Matryoshka NEW ARRIVALS

  • Viatka Maiden Roly Poly Chime Doll. Early 1980s Viatka (aka Kirov) chime doll painted in traditional colors. These were uncommon in the day, and now we rarely see them. The Russian traditional roly poly toy has many different names, including "nevalyashka"(неваляшка), "vanka-vstanka" (ванька-встанька) and roly-poly chime doll. Due to the weight in the bottom half, the doll will sway and return upright, as well as give a pleasant bell sound.

    Viatka Roly Poly Chime Doll

    Viatka Maiden Roly Poly Chime Doll. Early 1980s Viatka (aka Kirov) chime doll painted in traditional colors. These were uncommon in the day, and now we rarely see them. In about fine collectible...
    $24.00
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  • Semenov Chess Set. An all wood and painted chess set from Semenov circa late 1980s (and imported into the US, hence the "Made in Russia" labels. The pawns are matryoshkas on a pedestal. The major pieces were made uniquely for the set. Each piece is hand made and painted with the traditional colors of red and black. Wood board is 14" square when open and has two hook latches. The pieces are stored inside of the box. The tallest piece is 4" and the smallest is 2⅜". In about new condition. A nice gift for the matryoshka collector who also likes to play chess.

    Semenov Chess Set [Vintage]

    Semenov Chess Set. An all-wood and painted chess set from Semenov circa late 1980s (and then exported to the US, hence the "Made in Russia" labels). The pawns are matryoshkas on a pedestal. The major...
    $125.00
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  • Kirov Purple Matryoshka, 8nest [1979]. Scarce color arrangement of an 8pc Kirov doll, circa 1977. This matryoshka set was made nearly 50 years ago, some 20 years after the formation of the production center itself. Any nesting dolls from the last quarter of the 20th century are somewhat scarce in about fine, unplayed with condition. Of note here is the continuation of the color purple dresses of the first three pieces, and one more near the end. The lines are sharp, as are the features, on the first four pieces, and the expressions are somber. The flowers, dots and swirls are numerous. The pieces all fit well. There is some age-related wear at the opening, but this can be color touched, if desired (we haven't). This is a highly collectible, 49 year-old set in about fine condition. 5⅝" down to tiny. The label reads (in part): Производственное объединение "Вятка" по выпуску игрушек г. Киров (Production association "Vyatka" for the production of toys, city of Kirov), plus a state mandated price, an article number and the export date (Oct 1983).  It's not easy to find information on how the Russian toy, specifically the Matryoshka doll, came to be the number one tourist and export item of the USSR era. The Russian, aka Soviet, toy production began courting the tourist trade in earnest sometime in the 1960s, when it encouraged small collectives and factories to produce souvenirs to be sold to non-Russians. It started slowly, but eventually built up speed as the Moscow 1980s Olympics was slated to welcome foreign, specifically from Europe and the West (aka USA), tourists. Interest in Russian handicrafts was also stoked by importers of said goods in the US and elsewhere.

    Kirov Matryoshka, 8nest [1977]

    Kirov Purple Matryoshka, 8nest [1979]. Scarce color arrangement of an 8pc Kirov doll, circa 1977. This matryoshka set was made nearly 50 years ago, some 20 years after the formation of the production...
    $60.00
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  • Elegant Lady Bottle Holder. Fully handmade and painted, 15" in height. Separates in the center. Made in Russia.

    Elegant Lady Bottle Holder

    Elegant Lady Bottle Holder. Fully handmade and painted, 15" in height. Separates in the center. Made in Russia. 1 only. Unusual decorative bottle holders, or cases, are somewhat of a Russian...
    $45.00
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  • SALE
    The Legendary Bogatyr (Легендарный Богатырь). The bogatyr is an ancient hero or warrior somewhat like a Western European knight errant. Most of stories about bogatyrs revolve around the court of Vladimir I of Kiev (958–1015). The most prominent bogatyrs were the trio of Alyosha Popovich, Dobrynya Nikitich and Ilya Muromets, each distinguished by a character trait: Alyosha Popovich for his wits, Dobrynya Nikitich for his courage, and Ilya Muromets for his physical and spiritual power and integrity, and for his dedication to the protection of his homeland and people.

This extraordinary sculptured figure stands over 16" tall! Each bogatyr is completely hand made. To simulate chainmail, hundreds of tiny pieces of straw were painstakingly inlaid. The straw is a special variety of rye harvested with a scythe, then boiled in a potassium solution to achieve the color of gold. The cut-into-shape straw is then fastened and covered with an oil lacquer. A marvel of Russian folk art! Made in the late 1980s.

    Legendary Bogatyr from Viatka

    The Legendary Bogatyr (Легендарный Богатырь). The bogatyr is an ancient hero or warrior somewhat like a Western European knight errant. Most of stories about bogatyrs revolve around the court of...
    Was: $250.00
    Now: $149.00
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