Russian Souvenirs International Inc.

This well-known Russian toy first appeared in central Russia at the end of the 19th century, when a toy maker in the village of Sergiev Posad crafted a wooden doll containing seven other dolls that were graduated in size and fitted into each other. The nesting doll quickly became recognized as a unique Russian folk art. The matryoshka, popular today among children and collectors worldwide.
	Matryoshka dolls are carved individually on a lathe out of soft wood (usually linden) and then brightly painted in a variety of ornate patterns with aniline dye or oil, and finally lacquered. Frequently the artists borrow their designs from traditional folk art, fairy tales, history, icon painting and, above all, the artist's personal fantasy
In old Russia these family dolls passed from generation to generation and each subsequent generation made the next doll bigger so the others could fit inside. The Matryoshka dolls symbolizes good luck and peace in the family.
	The biggest center of Russian MATRIOSHKA making is Sergiev Posad located approximately 45 miles from Moscow. Russian Matryoshka dolls can be very small (2 pieces) up to very large (50 pieces and more). There are simple designs such as the Maiden dolls or very expensive, with extensive art work and painting and can run into the thousands of dollars.