Traditional Nesting Dolls

Nesting dolls originated in Japan, but became a traditional Russian folk souvenir when the first Russian sets were made in the 1890's. The dolls became a popular Russian tradition after they were featured in a Russian exhibit at the 1900 World Fair in Paris.

Various regions and villages of the former USSR produced their own distinct design of dolls. These dolls are organized by region.

(This is a private collection. None of these dolls are for sale.)