Russian Nesting Dolls are most popularly associated with Russia and are the quintessential Russian souvenir. They are also called matryoshka dolls. Russian nesting dolls are made in various shapes, sizes, and numbers and are decorated with many different themes and techniques.

The Types of Nesting Dolls Available

Russian nesting dolls are typically painted to look like women in traditional Russian clothing. However, Russian nesting dolls can also depict Russian fairy tales, world leaders, cartoon characters, pop culture icons, sports heroes, or animals. Consequently, Russian nesting dolls can be painted with particular themes like holidays or religion.

While Russian nesting dolls are usually brightly colored, some can be plain, decorated with a wood burning technique, or embellished with gold paint.

Where to Purchase Russian Nesting Dolls

Russian nesting dolls can be purchased wherever Russian souvenirs are sold. Shops, markets, and street vendors are all likely places to obtain Russian nesting dolls. Moreover, Russian nesting dolls can also be purchased online, either at shops specializing in Russian souvenirs or at auction sites.

Izmaylovo Market in Moscow is an excellent place to purchase Russian nesting dolls. Russian nesting dolls can also be found in other Eastern European and East Central European countries, such as the Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine.

What You Can Expect to Pay for a Russian Nesting Doll

Russian nesting dolls, like many other souvenirs from Russia, are created with varying degrees of skill and care. A Russian nesting doll painted simply in a traditional style, containing three or four smaller dolls, will command the lowest prices. However, more elaborate dolls containing 20 or more smaller dolls are more desirable and consequently much more expensive. Dolls purchased in large cities may cost more than those bought elsewhere. Additionally, Russian nesting dolls that are painted by specially skilled artists will command the highest prices.

Purchasing Russian Nesting Dolls for Others

When preparing to purchase a Russian nesting doll, consider the recipient if you plan to gift the doll. If you intend to give a Russian nesting doll to a child, a simply painted doll without small pieces may be more suitable than a doll with many smaller dolls inside, which might become lost or pose a choking hazard. Moreover, while Russian nesting dolls are usually painted as women, dolls that contain a whole family – including mother, father, and children – are also available.

If you want to give a Russian nesting doll as a gift, you should also consider the tastes of the recipient. Humorous nesting dolls that depict familiar historical characters or celebrities can be found in the largest markets and may have more masculine appeal. Delicately painted dolls with many smaller dolls inside make wonderful gifts for the most important people in your life.

How to Care for Russian Nesting Dolls

Russian nesting dolls, unless intended as toys for children, should be displayed out of reach of elbows, the wagging tails of dogs, or children. Since these dolls are made of wood, the smallest dolls are prone to tip over, especially if the base of each doll is not level. Therefore, the dolls should also be displayed away from direct sunlight and occasionally dusted with a dry, soft cloth.

If you are storing your Russian nesting dolls, wrap each doll in something soft. Ideally, store the dolls in a place that will not subject them to significant temperature fluctuations, as the wood of the dolls will swell or shrink according to temperature and humidity. The small dolls inside the main doll will roll around if moved, which tends to wear on the paint; thus, wrapping these in something soft is advisable as well.