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Authentic Russian Nesting Dolls

One of the most familiar forms of folk art exported from Russia is the authentic nesting doll. These are handpainted with layers of lacquer and usually depicting people from a classic story or fairy tale. Variations include people chosen with other themes in mind, such as political leaders, sports players, wedding parties, family portraits, etc. The art work on these dolls, even when extremely small, is so realistic that a new theme popular as an export is animals, such as dogs and cats, birds and insects. Collectors find these nesting dolls a unique addition to there collection and a conversation piece because of their find art quality.

The set of dolls below is a close-up example of the traditional nesting dolls that are the most famous Russian folk art export. These girls are hand-painted on linden wood forms and have a high gloss finish. There are artists who specialize in painting such realistic faces on these tiny dolls. Some people even special order the faces and clothing they want by sending pictures so that the finished set can symbolize a wedding day, a graduation or family celebrations, with a group painting that can even include the family pet !

Here are more examples of the beautiful nesting dolls we've found at Russian Legacy. Russian Legacy specializes in exporting true Russian and Soviet items including these fine examples of folk art nesting dolls.

Traditional Nesting Dolls
Dolls depicting stories and fairy tales
Icons and Christian themes
Figures from Films and Cartoons
Animals, Birds, Insects
Occupations and Groups
Music themes and music legends
Political leaders, US, Russia, others
Sports Figures and teams

'Barnyard Animals' 7 pc Nesting Doll
Size: approx. 7.2' Metric: 18 cm Consists of: 7 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 7-11 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: The 'Barnyard Animals' nesting doll before you is an exclusive quality matryoshka doll painted by Ekaterina Kasapu, an artist that works exclusively for Russian Legacy. Each nesting doll set is made to order and the whole set takes the artist 5 to 8 business days to paint and 2-3 more days to coat it with 5-7 layers of lacquer. Imported from Russia.