It was not a case of ‘love at first sight’ -- me and matryoshka dolls. It took over two years from ‘they are kind of trendy and cute’ to ‘ I so want my own collection’. Today there’s a tiny, but I think beautiful collection of nestling dolls living in my book selves. Every now and then I let my boys play with the girls. And it’s so fun to watch them being amazed with emerging dolls. Tough I am constantly worrying that they will not throw or drop the linden ladies.

As a child there were few nestling dolls at my paternal grandmother and I remember now telling stories what the girls have done. Usually they have found some hidden treasures or experienced other interesting escapades.

Матрёшка.:.Матрёшка.:.Матрёшка.:.Матрёшка.:.Матрёшка.:.

So what are these elusive dolls made of ?

History places the first nestling dolls to Japan. A story states that a russian monk started to cut wooden figurines of Buddhist sage (Fukuruma) and then a toymaker in Russia later on adopted the matryoshka dolls. The origin of name is not totally defined.  Suggestions are derivatives from popular russian girl names (Masha, Matryona) to hindu mother godess Matri. An other interpretation is that name means mat tyoshki -- mother of trees. Matryoshkas tell stories from modern day politics to folk stories (like snow maiden and fenix bird) , they may be elabortaely painted or decorated by woodburning.

If you want to know how to paint a matryoshka doll -- check this video. (do not forget to check the other related videos too..)

My collection is getting a new girl. Found this amazing wood burned Matryoshka today from Whiteserendae

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