Traditional Matryoshka dolls have the outer layer as a woman in traditional Russian peasant dress.
However they are also produced with a twist – from fairy tale characters to Russian leaders …
Or inspired by Matisse …
Or Gaugin …
… Nativity dolls with an added dimension.
The designs and painting can be quite elaborate …
Beyond the Brush 
I’ve set a link to you at
http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2011/04/27/russian-dolls/#comment-57975
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🙂
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Very nice photos of such beautiful dolls.
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Thank you, appreciate the comment, Neihtn 🙂
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These are so lovely. 🙂
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I was proud of myself when I didn’t succumb to purchase because they ARE beautiful. I just don’t want any more dust collectors 😉
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I so agree with you, Lynne. I’m also cutting down on dust collectors. 🙂
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I’d love to see Russia!
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We didn’t get to see much but what we did see was very interesting.
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Fantastic collections!! So much beautiful artistry!
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Yes, Connie, some of them were quite beautiful – my ‘collection’ though, consists of the photos only – much cheaper and no dusting 😉
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I love Russian Dolls 🙂
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Matryoshka dolls have always fascinated me. These photos are beautiful. I especially like the first one.
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Usually there are at least 5 nested dolls so those attracted my attention as there were 20.
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I collect Russian dolls, for some reason I find them fascinating! I’ve never seen so many different kinds x
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Glad I could introduce you to sooo many to seek out for your collection 😉
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They are beautiful!
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I WAS tempted.
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Yes, I love the last type; I’ve got a few, but now I wish I got more when I was in Russia! 😦
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Ahh, ya see, my souvenirs are the photos 😉
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I had never realised there were so many variations……Beautiful!
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Neither did I, Bobbie, until I entered a store stacked with matryoshka dolls 🙂
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i love them! they’re beautiful.
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🙂
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Do you collect them? Love the Gauguin and Matisse variants 🙂
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No, I restrained myself. Naturally the ones I preferred were the most expensive ones. But a daughter does – I’ve picked up a few for her in travels – including some penguin ones.
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these are very beautiful dolls.
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And such a variety 😉
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