Product Description
Zagorsk Matryoshka []1960s]. This is an early matryoshka doll and probably was made in the early to mid-1960s. The colors are still vibrant and the condition is fair (see below). One prominent feature of Russian nesting dolls in particular, and Russian applied art, in general, is that folk art made 75-100 years ago (as this doll was) appears as if it were 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 the 1960s and 1970s. Dolls from before the start of the "tourist" era in the USSR - roughly early 1960s - are scarce. At this time, tourism had significantly increased, and the business of making folk art began to increase. Second half of the 20th century. 5 nest, 5¾" to 2". 1 only.
Fair condition, paint loss/chipping/crack repair/crack throughout. No retouching has been done on this set. On the first doll, one side has a typical stress crack and off to the side of it is a somewhat skillfully done repair. The bottom of the first doll, as well as the bottom halves of each piece, has pencil scribbling, mostly illegible. Price reflects condition.
See also: Collectible Dolls from Zagorsk and History of Handicrafts in Russia