The Matryoshka dolls in our collection are among the most recognizable symbols of Russian folk art. Crafted from birch or linden wood, they feature a nesting structure in which successively smaller figures are placed inside the largest one. Their popularity spread rapidly after winning a bronze medal at the 1900 Paris Exposition, leading to the creation of countless variations across Russia and establishing them as one of the country’s most iconic souvenirs.
The origins of the Matryoshka are said to have a fascinating connection with Japan. In the late 19th century, a Russian Orthodox monastery maintained a summer retreat in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is believed that a visiting monk brought back examples of Hakone rokuro-zaiku (wooden turnery), which then inspired the first Russian nesting dolls. Our collection includes a rare set of twelve kumiko eggs from Hakone, regarded as prototypes of the Matryoshka.
Within the museum’s holdings are also distinctive artist-made examples, as well as a monumental Matryoshka measuring one meter in height. The latter, no longer produced today due to forest conservation concerns, contains thirty nested figures, each decorated with scenes from well-known Russian folktales. Another set of twenty-five figures is also preserved, showcasing the variety and imaginative scope of this craft. Together, these works illustrate not only the artistry of Matryoshka dolls but also their enduring role in expressing cultural identity and storytelling.