The meaning of matryoshkas
The matryoshka doll is a classic Russian toy with more than 100 years of tradition. Its name comes from the word ‘Matryona’, which means mother of the family, relating these precious dolls to fertility and family.
But despite being recognized as one of the icons of Russian craftsmanship, matrioshka dolls were not initially created in this country. As we already wrote in our blog, everything seems to indicate that their origin is Japanese. A famous Russian industrialist and patron of the arts, after a trip to Japan, brought back a series of nested figures representing the seven divinities of fortune. One of his collaborators decided to adapt these figures with a traditional Russian design and the original matryoshka doll was born.
Authentic and original Russian matryoshka
Our matryoshkas are a 100% original Russian product, handmade by craftsmen in the Nizhny Novgorod area. This region still concentrates the handicraft production of 60% of Russian matryoshkas, in particular the cities of Semenov and Polkhov-Maidan.
According to tradition, they are made from linden wood harvested in spring, when these trees begin to secrete sap. As a measure of quality, all the pieces that make up a matrioshka must be taken from the same piece of wood. The care with the manufacturing process and the craftsmanship of the artisans make these matryoshkas an authentic and original gift.
Different models of animal matryoshkas
The most traditional models of these dolls almost always have a design of flowers and bright colors. In Fantastik you can find different types of matryoshkas, from the most classic ones, through this model with animal paintings, to a matryoshka made in India, with paintings inspired by Hinduism.
