Categories: Russian Souvenirs

Is Russian Matryoshka The Same with Japanese Kokeshi? Here’s to Know

Are you among those who like to collect dolls? What kind of dolls that are already in your collection?

As we know, there are many types of dolls that exist in every country in the world. There are also types of dolls that have many similarities and some are completely different from the others. Each country has the characteristics of their respective dolls.

But, have you ever heard of Russian Matryoshka and Japanese Kokeshi?

Both are dolls made of wood. Maybe there are still many of you who don’t know it yet and there are some who already know it, even though they don’t know much about it.

To add information to all of you, let’s take a look at… is Russian Matryoshka the same as Japanese Kokeshi? Here’s to know.

If we are talking about the doll, of course there are many types of dolls that could be discussed. The material used to make the dolls also vary, some use plastic, wood and some other materials. The size and accessories used by the doll are also different, it depends on the country of origin of the doll.

Sometimes there are dolls that look similar in shape although dolls that come from a different country. Even names for one type of doll can differ in several regions even in the same country. This can cause confusion for people who are not from that country. Neither with these two types of dolls.

Russian Matryoshka and Japanese Kokeshi are the two dolls we will discuss this time. Have you ever heard of these two dolls? Both of these dolls are famous dolls in their home country. Usually both dolls will be used as souvenirs or collectible items.

I think there are still many people who don’t know about these two dolls. So, to answer your curiosity, let’s look at… is Russian Matryoshka the same as Japanese Kokeshi? Here’s to know.

  • About Russian Matryoshka

Matryoshka dolls are wooden dolls originating from Russia. This is included in the type of nesting dolls. The Matryoshka doll was first made in the form of a set of dolls in 1890. The pictures on this doll are hand-painted and have themes that are still related to fairy tales and other things in Russia.

In one set of Matryoshka dolls can consist of 5 or more dolls. The number of dolls nested in the main doll is not determined by a specific number that is certain. Starting from the largest size to the size that is so small. The largest Matryoshka doll used to depict the figure of a mother wearing Russian traditional clothes. While the small dolls that are nested in it can describe the children of the mother.

  • About Japanese Kokeshi

Kokeshi dolls are wooden dolls originating from Japan. This is a doll made since around the 1600s. These dolls became one of the most famous dolls in the world. The Kokeshi doll does not have arms or legs, it only consists of the doll’s head and body. This doll was originally made as a toy for children.

The Kokeshi doll is easy to recognize because it has a unique appearance even though it looks simply. This doll is usually used as souvenirs, collectibles and also ornaments. The pictures in this Kokeshi doll are painted by hand and then given a wax coating.

  • So, Is Russian Matryoshka The Same as Japanese Kokeshi?

Russian Matryoshka can be said to be not the same as Japanese Kokeshi. These two types of dolls have some differences but also have some similarities. If you look from the first year of manufacture, Russian Matryoshka dolls are inspired dolls and the results of improvisation from the Japanese Kokeshi concept and also the previous concepts of other similar dolls.

When viewed from the form of Russian Matryoshka dolls it tends to be very similar to the concept of Daruma dolls originating from Japan. From the method of making, Russian Matryoshka and Japanese Kokeshi also have differences. These Japanese Kokeshi and Daruma dolls tend to be simpler in terms of the design of the picture being painted. Even so, both Russian Matryoshka and Japanese Kokeshi have their own characteristics and charms.

  • Difference Between Russian Matryoshka And Japanese Kokeshi

The differences in Russian Matryoshka and Japanese Kokeshi dolls can be seen from the making. Russian Matryoshka is made as a whole in one piece of wood for the head to the body of the doll, while the head and body of the Japanese Kokeshi doll are made separately. The images in the designs of the two dolls are also clearly different because each doll applies a design from its home country. In any painting, Russian Matryoshka appears to have a painting of the arm, while Japanese Kokeshi does not. And there are some other differences that you might be able to recognize if you look in detail at the two dolls.

  • Similarities Between Russian Matryoshka And Japanese Kokeshi

Although different, the Russian Matryoshka doll and Japanese Kokeshi also have some similarities. Both of these dolls are both made of wood. The paintings on each doll are also made directly using the hands of doll craftsmen. Japanese Kokeshi dolls can also actually be made into nesting dolls like Russian Matryoshka dolls, although in general this is not a type of nesting doll. Both also include traditional dolls of each country of origin.

And maybe there are still some of all you need to know about… is Russian Matryoshka the same as Japanese Kokeshi that haven’t been listed above. I hope this article can really help you to find out all you need to know about… is Russian Matryoshka the same as Japanese Kokeshi? Here’s to know.

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