Saints Nesting Doll

Saints Nesting Doll. the first doll depicts the Mother of God of Vladimir (Богоматерь Владимирская), which is a very well-known Russian Orthodox icon of "Tenderness" ("Умиление" in Russian). Christ affectionately embraces and presses against His Mother, whose sorrowful gaze foresees His Passion. The second piece is Christ the Teacher holding an open gospel in one hand and making the sign of blessing in the other. This is followed by St. Nicholas of Myra, who is the patron saint of children and sailors, and who has saved Russia many times from catastrophe. The fourth is a smaller version of the Mother of God by Herself and the fifth is a seraph, one of the celestial beings that care for God's throne.

The doll was made in Russia and is a fine example of "painting with fire", or pyrography. Each halo is bright gold "potal" (gold foil decoration that imitates gilding). A potal cross is on the back of the first doll. 5 nested, 7" down to 2". 1 only, as shown.