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Matryoshka NEW ARRIVALS

  • Matryoshka Seasoning Trio. An adorable set of maidens from Sergiev Posad, probably 1990 or a bit earlier. Each matryoshka opens to house either salt, papper, or cayenne (?). Titles in English indicating was made for an export market. Tray seems to have been added later. All wood, and all hand decoration. Both decorative and functional.  Dolls just under 3¼" in height, tray just under 4¼" in diameter.

    Matryoshka Seasoning Set [Vintage]

    Matryoshka Seasoning Trio. An adorable set of intricately decorated maidens from Sergiev Posad, probably 1990 or a bit earlier. Each matryoshka opens to contain either salt, papper, or cayenne (?). Titles in English indicate the set was made for an...
    $29.00
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  • Zagorsk (Загорск) Maidens were made in the 1970s through the late 1980s in "Zagorsk Toy Factory No. 1". This attractive 9 nest is in well-reserved, about fine condition and isn't suffering from the all-too-common flaking and chipping that plagues this style of doll. The state of preservation on this set is remarkable. Colors are bright, the lacquer is clear and all pieces fit together well. Handmade and painted. 7" down to ¾" down.

    Zagorsk Vintage Matryoshka (9pcs)

    Zagorsk (Загорск) Maidens were made in the 1970s through the late 1980s in "Zagorsk Toy Factory No. 1". This attractive 9 nest is in well-preserved, about fine, condition and isn't suffering from the all-too-common flaking and chipping that plagues this...
    $65.00
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  • Silver Church Maidens.  This is a larger version of the classic style of pyrography, painting and potal (gold or silver foil that imitates gilding or silvering). Pyrographically written on the bottom in Russian: "Sergiev Posad, 2001", the artist's name, 7 nest, and  "Made in Russia" (stamped in red).

    Silver Church Maidens, 7-nest [Vintage]

    Silver Church Maidens.  The churches in the center of each piece are abstract images of the monastery at Sergiev Posad. The faces are nicely painted with large black eyelashes and ruby lips. An attractive doll from the golden age of Russian-made...
    $48.00
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  • Polkhovsky Maidan "Coquette" Matryoshka (Полховский Майдан «Кокетка» Матрешка).

    Polkhovsky Maidan "Coquette" Matryoshka [Vintage]

    Polkhovsky Maidan "Coquette" Matryoshka (Полховский Майдан «Кокетка» Матрешка). In our experience, among almost all of the classic Polkhovsky Maidan dolls we've encountered, a matryoshka with a flirtatious head tilt like this one, is uncommon...
    $18.00
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  • 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 condition. Glossy finish. 4½" in height. 1 only, as...
    $24.00
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  • Sergiev Posad Miniature "Churches" Matryoshka. A late 90s set that still retains some of the exquisite attention to detail from the time period. A lot going on in a small space. Wood burnt outlines, potal enhancements (gold foil that imitates gilding) and paints. By an anonymous artist. 3½" down to 1".

    Sergiev Posad "Churches" Mini [Vintage}

    Sergiev Posad Miniature "Churches" Matryoshka. A late 90s set that still retains some of the exquisite attention to detail from the time period. A lot going on in a small space. Wood burnt outlines, potal enhancements (gold foil that imitates gilding)...
    $22.00
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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 pieces were made uniquely for the set. Each piece is...
    $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 center itself. Any nesting dolls from the last quarter...
    $60.00
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  • Zagorsk 7-nest Matryoshka [1950s-60s]. One prominent feature of Russian nesting dolls in particular, and Russian applied art, in general, is that folk art, such as this doll, made 65 years ago appears to the observer as if it had been made in even earlier times. This is due to the conditions and skills of production which changed little from the late 19th century up the 1960s and 1970s. Dolls from before the start of the "tourist" era in the USSR - roughly late 1950s - early 1960s - are uncommon. At this time, tourism was on the rise, and with it, the business of making folk art began increasing.

    Zagorsk 7-nest Matryoshka [1950s-60s]

    Zagorsk 7-nest Matryoshka [1950s-60s]. One prominent feature of Russian nesting dolls in particular, and Russian applied art, in general, is that folk art, such as this doll, made 65 years ago appears to the observer as if it had been made in even...
    $40.00
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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 specialty. Though their intent is functional, i.e., to store a...
    $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 Vladimir I of Kiev (958–1015). The most prominent...
    Was: $250.00
    Now: $149.00
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