AJ01. Brest Formal Maiden – 7n 6" (Belarus)

Brest doll comes from Belarus, a nation sandwiched between Poland and Russia.
In fact, Belarus which means “White Russian.”

This nesting doll set represents a national, folklorish Belorussian nesting doll style.

Like most traditional nesting dolls, this set features a young girl or woman, with a colorful scarf and apron. Interestingly, here the scarf is not overly detailed, doubtless intended to contrast with the detailing found in the apron and vest.

It is there that this doll really shines. Unlike most nesting dolls, the artists have chosen to give this young woman a formal look–even adding strands of pearls. This, clearly, is not a peasant girl, but a well-to-do girl from the city.