I know, I know, you’ve seen the popular trend of these Russian Nesting Dolls on lots of blogs, but before you think you’ve seen them all, take a look. I defy you to find a larger collection than my own examples of Matryoshka Madness (especially since this post has been updated with Part 2!)
Matryoshka Madness: Russian Nesting Dolls In Every Form
Russian nesting dolls have been an art form for centuries. No matter how you spell them, be it matryoshkas, matrioshka, matryoshkus or matreshkas, they seem to be making a big comeback in many forms.
We see the Russian Nesting Doll now in tons of forms – from the modern nod to technology from Art Lebedev to a $1200.00 custom series painted for a family from a photo by artist Trisha Krauss.
above: Bit, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte and terabyte take shape of Matryoshkas to make the right sequence in white, available from Art Lebedev
above: Artist Trisha Krauss will create a custom set based on a photo like the one above.
In 2003, Jason Sturgill’s The Wurst Gallery (no longer open) had a fabulous exhibit of these nesting dolls painted by various contemporary and low brow artists, most (but not all) of which have since been sold. Here are the artists and their work from that show:
above: The complete set by artist Trish Grantham
Another artist painted Matryoshka exhibit is the 2006 one from Belgian’s MAF (Music Art Forum) which, sady, is no longer in existence. In this exhibition, 50 artists painted custom Matryoshkas which were auctioned off for charity. Below are a few of my favorites from that exhibit:
Several other contemporary artists have their own interpretations of the traditional Russian nesting dolls.
Take a look at some more of the Matryoshka Madness:
The Redspective online store (also no longer in existence) often carries unique, one of kind, artist made nesting dolls but they sell out quickly. Now in stock are the following three sets:
above: set by artist Roland Bruckner, 250,000 euros
above: set by the Incubus Project, 250,000 euros
above: set by artist Chin Chin, 250,000 euros
above: One of my personal favorites by artist Marco Cibola
above: the minimalist Pantone Matryoshkas by Yar Rassadin
above: Three hand-painted sets by Russian artist Irina Troitskaya
Artist Bryan Rawlings made a set of erotic life sized nesting dolls for Julian Murphy that are now the property of the Erotic Art Museum in Hollywood, California, where they are part of the permanent collection:
above: Bryan Rawling’s Erotic Matryoshka Sculptures
Even Swedish superstore Ikea sells a version; JUTANÄS by Maria Vinka
Above: Inspired by the Russian nesting dolls she collected as a child, Vinka wanted to create a modern, multi-ethnic version. Instead of identical nesting Russian dolls, she made a doll for each continent. A native Lapp, Vinka made the doll for Europe a Lapp as well. The dolls are made in Russia according to traditional methods, and each one is handpainted with a unique facial expression. Available at IKEA.
Russian Nesting Doll imagery is popping up everywhere on home decor from pillows by Thomas Paul to coin purses at Fred Flare.
Pillows:
Thomas Paul Pillows shown above
above pillows (no longer be available) from Urban Outfitters
Cards:
The above Matroyshka cards are available at Poketo.
plates and coin purses from Fred Flare
Clothing:
Matryoshka shirts available here.
Jewelry:
Both the Sterling silver 3D charm and 14k yellow gold charm available here.
Bedding:
Bedspread from Urban Outfitters
Cosmetics:
Even the Pupa cosmetics of Italy has a line called Puposka which is collection of make-up kits perfumes,and containers in white, red or blue that are Russian nesting dolls:
Pupa Cosmetics
Need Matryoshkas that stick?
Buy the above vinyl wall stickers here.
or Buy the little stickers here.
And here are just a few of the wonderful Matryoshka items available on etsy (I’m sorry I can’t show them all):
coasters: Chrome ID tag for zippers or keychains:
Car trash/litter bag: Matryoshka handbag:
Russian Doll adjustable ring: Decoupaged ring:
Matryoshka cupcake toppers: Baby Bib and Burp Cloth:
Chocolate Matryoshkas:
But even better are Viktoria Richards Red Collection: three variations of chocolate nesting dolls.
Individually foil wrapped:
A single 4 inch solid chocolate doll:
and miniature boxed chocolate Matryoshkas:
buy them here.
Wanna make some yourself?
You can be creative with blank dolls found here:
Or, if you feel you’re not that creative, for only $39.00, you can easily DIY these traditional looking Russian Nesting Dolls (if you can paint within the lines), that comes with paint and brush:
LINKS
Now, if you’re looking for traditional Russian nesting dolls in the form of animals, pop culture icons like the Simpsons nesting dolls or South Park nesting dolls (yes, they make them), celebrity nesting dolls like Elvis or Madonna, the following stores carry all these and more:
handofman.com
moscowstore.com
russianartstore.com
russianesprit.com
Reference books:
Buy Russian Doll Books, Movies, Calendars, Blank Sets and more here
Check out Matroyoshka Madness Part 2, with electronic gadgets and more.