Album B

In contrast to the Russian sets that are much more delicate, the Polish dolls as a group serve more as children’s toys than as objects of art. Made of pinewood, these dolls are spray painted in an overlapping fashion. The details are then added by hand. Most of the Polish sets are painted in this fashion. A protruding nose on the largest doll of a set is characteristic of this style. Unfortunately the toy factory that produced these sets has closed down, so Polish sets are going to become increasingly difficult to locate. The sets that were produced by the factory include the Sailors, the Maestro, Hansel and Gretel, the Egg sets, and the Grandmother set.

When the interest in nesting dolls was peaking (1988-1993), many other countries got into the act. Some countries, such as China, were prolific and produced dozens and dozens of styles. These were marketed cheaply by mail-order catalogs. Another country, with close ties to the old Soviet Union, was India, with whom exchange programs were set up. The production was village-quality and occasionally interesting and better than average.

Middle Eastern themed nesting dolls, often called Arabian Matryoshkas, are a creative twist on the traditional Russian folk craft. These sets typically replace the classic peasant dress with traditional Middle Eastern attire, such as the kandura and abaya.

Japanese nesting dolls, often taking the form of traditional Kokeshi or Fukurama dolls, are handmade wooden figures that likely inspired the Russian Matryoshka. Originating from the Edo period (1603-1868), these dolls are popular souvenirs featuring intricate, hand-painted designs with themes like Samurais, Geishas, or Lucky Gods. Later, many of the inexpensive Shackman toy dolls were made in Japan (in addition to Poland or India) and now companies like Bandai make modern plastic nesting dolls.

Some sets of nesting dolls are made in Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. We have grouped those dolls in this distinct category not to mix them with the other Japanese and Chinese sets.

Authentic Models of Holland – (Made in India and China). This company, originally based in the Netherlands is best known for making nautical models, gifts and museum reproductions. They began making nesting dolls in 1982 in a factory in India, which later burned down. Production of these dolls was later moved to a factory in China. By the 1990 more than 30 or 40 styles were made. Later sets from China were sold in cloth drawstring bags in green boxes.

These vintage nesting dolls were made in China and sold through catalogs like Lilian Vernon, Terry Village, Midwest Importers, Pier One and others.

The dolls come from Argentina, Columbia, Panama, Peru, Mexico and Puerta Rico.

Argentina engaged in a very limited production of nesting doll sets. One Russian family immigrated to Argentina and began a family business of doll making. These sets are like little jewels, miniature and delicate. Sets like these first appeared in the US in early 1986. These dolls were purchased prior to 1990.

Svetlana Belikow made these Argentine dolls. They were turned by Svetlana’s husband and painted by her in the fashion of pre-communist Russian dolls. You will see them in certain old souvenir Russian books. Her brother who did not speak English brought them to this country and he went with his suitcase of dolls and in small shops he would sell the dolls.

Berta of The Dolls Nest said: It was interesting the way I found my way to her dolls. Her son was a priest in Monterey and I sought him out and thru his wife contracted to buy the dolls. They were very expensive but I bought all I could get. Remember, there were only the traditional dolls then.

The Belikow Matroshka represents a synthesis concept of the Russian matroshka. Shiny colors, a lovely, friendly typical Russian face, with a high forehead and serious eyes, huge flowers and a meticulous varnishing. Everybody who once has visited Russia and has an interest in Russian folk craft will recognize her characteristic expression. This Belikow Matroshka symbolizes plentitude and fecundity. The emphasis on this particular Matroshka is put on the wood veins pattern.

Some older sets were made in other Western European countries, or perhaps made to be sold in those countries. Many of these dolls are made of plastic as a holder for perfume or other product.

There are some plastic dolls within the Asia and Europe categories of the albums, but these are mostly American, or made for American audiences. Perhaps I will rearrange these albums some day to group these together.