Beauty is in the eye of the beholder of course, but the faces on our dolls are different than those on dolls from other producers. In fact, this is one feature that the knowledgeable collector will look for to determine the origin of a particular doll.
Large blue eyes, and long lashes are a key feature of our larger and more decorative dolls as are the high cheekbones, small mouth and full lips. Also, look for a face, which does not occupy all of the space available on the head of the doll. The position of the face may also be at an angle to the observer and not facing straight ahead.
On our simpler designs, a similar pattern emerges. Large blue eyes with long lashes a small mouth with full lips. A face, which does not occupy all of the space of the dolls head. In this example, leaving room to wrap a shawl around her blonde hair.
Every face on every doll is unique. Why? They are all hand-painted; therefore it is impossible to ever have two dolls with the same design with the same face, no matter how hard the artisan tries. So, each set of dolls is truly unique – just like the women and mothers (matry) they represent.
We’ll be honest. We’re incredibly biased. We think our matryoshka are currently the best in production in Russia.
There are many reasons of course. Naturally, the skill of the craftsmen and women in Kirov, the materials (we don’t skimp on cheap paints and lacquer) and the application of many years of experience in this craft give us quite an edge. However, there is a driving force behind our production, which is quite simple yet vitally important in the creation of these products – passion. From the directors to the artisans, our philosophy hasn’t changed. We want to keep this unique folk art alive and thriving because art expresses much about who and what we are and the matryoshka is an important symbol of Russia and Russian culture. So, if we are able to produce beautiful dolls, which people from all over the world can love and cherish for many years to come, then we feel we have succeeded in our objective of bringing a small token of Russian culture into your homes.
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