Russian Stackable Doll – Buying Guide
Share
Russian Stackable Doll: how to choose quality sets
Russian Stackable Doll: what are they, where are they made, and who are they for? Stacking dolls consist of several dolls that fit inside each other. The best dolls are made in Russia from Linden wood, chosen for its durability and easy to carve qualities. These dolls are handmade by skilled artisans on lathes to create their distinctive shape. Great care is taken to ensure that the dolls fit comfortably inside one another. They are not fully hand‑painted. Instead, a thin printed transfer is applied to the wood, and then artists paint the finer details by hand. Finally, they are coated in a non-toxic lacquer to protect and enhance the colors.
Handmade Wooden Russian Nesting Dolls – and where they come from
Russia is a vast country with 11 time zones, but the main production takes place in just a few areas. Sergiev Posad (near Moscow) and Semenov (200 miles from Moscow) are perhaps the most famous places, although there are smaller production centers elsewhere. Typically, a Russian Stackable Doll is 5 – 7 inches tall, with 4-6 dolls per set, although there can be many more. There should also be a stamp on the base of the biggest doll, proving authenticity, or the artists signature. Originally, the dolls represented Russian peasant families, symbolizing family hierarchy, beginning with the grandmother, down to the youngest child. Nowadays, they feature many themes, including famous people, religious holidays, fairy tales and animals, such as cats, dogs, birds and safari animals.
Why are handmade Wooden Russian Nesting Dolls better?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the internet is awash with cheaper, mass produced imitations from China. These imitations are made in a variety of materials including MDF (medium density fiberboard), plywood, or plastic. MDF is commonly used in the building industry and is compressed wood dust bound together with resin. It’s very easy to work but it’s not as durable as linden wood and is susceptible to moisture damage. Plywood is made by layering thin sheets of wood (1 mm) in opposite directions and gluing them together with adhesive. Plywood is exceptionally strong but it’s not as good as Linden wood for doll production, as it splinters easily and doesn’t produce such a good finish. Plastic doesn’t produce as good a finish as wood, and the images fade much quicker over time.
Who are handmade Wooden Russian Nesting Dolls suitable for?
There is a big demand from tourists, collectors and gifts for kids. Certain items are synonymous with certain countries. For example, America is famous for many things including Hollywood, McDonalds, Apple, Microsoft, Elvis Presley and the Statue of Liberty. In the same way Russia is synonymous with ballet, freezing cold weather, the Kremlin, vodka, caviar and babushka dolls – making them popular with tourists. They are also very popular with collectors because there is such a large range to choose from.
What are the benefits of a Russian stackable doll
Nowadays, it can be very hard to buy presents for kids, because we live in a material world, whereby everything is disposable. Computers, cell phones and most electronic devices have a very short shelf life, and clothes don’t last very long either. However, a Russian Stackable doll might be worth considering, if you’re searching for something interactive, durable, and cultural. Children need stimulation and they must learn how to play with other kids, to have the best chance in later life. Russian Nesting Dolls remain one of Russia’s most iconic cultural gifts — timeless, durable and iconic.
