Do you like collecting souvenirs in the country you are visiting? If so, maybe you also need to collect Matryoshka dolls.

You can find Matryoshka dolls if you visit Russia. This is a typical doll from there. Matryoshka is a unique doll because there are dolls inside the doll. The images in this doll also really show Russian characteristics.

If you mention one of the famous souvenirs from Russia, there is also a mention of Nesting dolls. Is this doll the same as a Matryoshka doll? Many people are wondering about this. To add to your information, let’s see about … what are the differences between the Nesting dolls and Matryoshka dolls?

Russia is famous for its unique country souvenirs. And the souvenirs have designs and colors that are very typical of traditional Russia. Not infrequently, many people make Russian souvenirs into collectibles.

If you are interested in making Russian souvenirs as a complement to your collection, you might consider Matryoshka. Actually, what is Matryoshka? Matryoshka is a typical Russian doll that has a traditional design. The picture on the Matryoshka doll is a hand painting of the craftsman.

Sometimes, people also consider the Matryoshka doll to be a Nesting doll. And there are also people who call the Matryoshka doll another name. There are even people who are still wondering about the difference between a Matryoshka doll and a Nesting doll. Are they really different dolls?

To answer your curiosity about Nesting dolls and Matryoshka dolls, in this article I will discuss about the difference between Nesting Dolls and Matryoshka Dolls.

• About Matryoshka Dolls

Matryoshka dolls are typical dolls from Russia. This is a nesting doll made of wood. This doll has a size ranging from large and has another doll inside it with a smaller size. The Matryoshka doll contains several dolls that have an undetermined amount. There are also Matryoshka dolls which contain 5,6,7 other dolls or even more than that.

The dolls inside the Matryoshka doll usually have the same picture. But there are also those that contain dolls with different images. The images on the Matryoshka doll are still related to fairy tales, and other things in Russia.

• A Short History of Matryoshka Dolls

Matryoshka dolls were first made in 1890 in a set of dolls. The first Matryoshka doll made consisted of 8 dolls. The outermost (biggest) doll has a picture of a mother in traditional Russian clothes and holds a red rooster. While the dolls inside are the mother’s children. The first Matryoshka doll was designed by two artists from the Abramtsevo area.

Matryoshka dolls were made because it was inspired from the nesting box in China and then spread to Japan. So, the concept of a nesting doll is actually not from Russia. Matryoshka dolls were in Russia at the moment is the result of inspiration with a little improvisation.

• Then, What Are the Differences Between the Nesting Dolls and Matryoshka Dolls?

If we discuss dolls that are souvenirs in Russia, there are some who mention Matryoshka dolls and some say about nesting dolls. There are questions that are often asked by people. Are the nesting dolls and Matryoshka dolls different? Then what is the difference?

Actually, Matryoshka dolls and nesting dolls have no difference. Basically, Matryoshka dolls and nesting dolls are the same doll. Nesting dolls are another name that is easier for Matryoshka dolls. Other names for Matryoshka dolls besides nesting dolls are Babushka dolls, stacked dolls, and several other terms. So, you don’t need to be confused with the names of nesting dolls and Matryoshka dolls because they are the same doll.

• Making Matryoshka Dolls

Matryoshka dolls made of wood. Usually the wood used is wood from the Linden tree. Matryoshka dolls are made of one wooden block, so that the size of the doll from the smallest to the largest can be suitable and precise. The dolls are made in advance starting from dolls with smallest size.

The wood is then carved very carefully. Accuracy is needed to make a set of dolls so that the doll can fit. After the engraving process is complete, the Matryoshka doll is painted according to the themes made one by one. In order for the Matryoshka doll to be made durable, the wood used must be good quality wood.

• Characters in The Matryoshka Doll

Matryoshka dolls are often seen with pictures of Russian girls or Russian mothers in the country’s traditional attire. Basically, the images made on the Matryoshka doll have a certain theme. For example, the characters of fairy tales, traditions in Russia, celebrations in Russia or themes related to nature.

Matryoshka doll artists that exist in the modern era has a new theme to be painted in the doll. Now artists or craftsmen also draw portraits of leaders and politicians in Russia, famous artists, musicians, athletes and others. There are also those that make in abstract patterns. And also, you can paint your own plain Matryoshka doll.

• The Meaning and Symbol of The Matryoshka Doll

Matryoshka dolls or nesting dolls in Russia have meanings about a mother’s fertility. A mother has an important role as a caregiver and protector of her family. There is also a mention that the Matryoshka doll means a large family that lives happily together and also takes care of each other’s family members.

The biggest doll of the Matryoshka doll has other meanings than being a mother in the family. The biggest doll also means the innocence of the soul that is in ourselves.

And maybe there are still some of discussion what are the differences between the Nesting dolls and Matryoshka dolls that haven’t been listed above. I hope this article can really help you to find out the answer about what are the differences between the Nesting dolls and Matryoshka dolls.