Poupées russes

Russian doll or Matryoshka

The Russian doll, a symbolic Russian object, is even taught in school. Indeed, "At school, 12-year-old Russians also learn that the matryoshkas of their childhood" in fact symbolize the Russian character, the Russian soul, the basic Russian values: motherhood, family, collectivism, unity and warmth. human ”, according to a guide for social science teachers. "- La Presse

How to make a Russian beauty?

The making of Russian dolls (Matryoshka)

First, an appropriate type of wood is chosen. Due to its flexibility, lime is generally chosen, often less than alder or birch. Trees are usually cut in early spring. Part of the bark is removed so that the wood does not crack during drying. Then the logs are stored and dried for several years in a well-ventilated place. It is necessary to start treating the wood when it is neither dry nor soft. Each part goes through more than a dozen operations. The smallest doll - inseparable - is made first. When the "baby" is ready, we move on to the next figurine, in which the first one will be nested. The next part is processed and cut according to the required height. The wood is then removed from the inside of the two parts of the second doll so that the smaller doll fits snugly inside. Then the process is repeated for a larger doll, which will include the previous two, etc. The number of dolls can be different. At the end of the process, each doll is coated with oil varnish. After drying and final polishing, the artist proceeds with the varnishing. Gouache and oil paints are used as paints.

Provenance du mot Matriochka

Le mot matriochka est dérivé du prénom féminin Matriona, traditionnellement associé à une femme russe de la campagne. prénom de même étymologie que mère et matrone. Ainsi, une poupée Matriochka symbolisait une mère avec sa famille, ses enfants

The history of Russian dolls

This typical Russian object has a relatively recent history. Indeed, the first appearances would be in the 1890s. It was after the World's Fair in Paris in 1900 where Russian dolls won the bronze medal that they gained popularity. 

Originally from Japan

In the 1980s, with the Orient becoming fashionable in Russia, a famous Russian industrialist, Savva Mamontov, brought back from Japan a series of Seven Deities of Boheur. Painter Sergei Malioutin creates a Russian version of the toy in his craft workshop.  

Russian dolls dating from 1892

Pour en savoir plus sur l'histoire des poupées Matriochka

World record

Plus grande poupées russes au monde

Established on April 25, 2003 and hand painted by Youlia Berenznitskaia, the set consists of 51 nested dolls, with the largest doll having a height of 53.97cm and the smallest a height of 0.31cm. Once the 51 Russian dolls are aligned together, they measure 3.41m in length.

poupées russes record du monde

Reference : World Guinness Record

51

russian dolls

53.97cm

Biggest doll in the set

0.31cm

Smallest doll in the set

Et les plus petites poupées russes au monde...

Il n’existe pas de record officiel du plus petit ensemble de poupées russes au monde, mais voici la vidéo d’une artiste qui affirme avoir le record et met au défi quiconque de la corriger. 

Themes in dolls

Originally representing Russian women in traditional clothes, today Russian dolls address many themes.

emoji poupées russes

Devenu un emoji

En 2020, l’Unicode Consortium à approuvé la poupée russe comme nouveau emoji. La matriochka à été présenté au consortium par Jef Gray comme un symbole non-religieux, non-politique, représentant la culture de la Russie.   

Poupées russes lot

Discover our range of Russian dolls

Whether traditional, themed or educational Russian dolls, you will certainly find one to your liking.

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