Russian woodturning since 1890
Nesting dolls made the way they always were by hand, in linden wood
Close to 500 matryoshka sets, turned on a lathe and painted by hand in the workshops of Semenovo and Sergiev Posad. From three-piece gifts to twenty-piece sets for collectors.
Solid linden wood
Painted by hand
Worldwide delivery
Solid linden wood
Air-dried outdoors for two to three years so the halves keep opening smoothly for decades.
Painted by hand
Freehand gouache and egg tempera brushwork. No two sets come out exactly alike.
Protected finish
Several coats of clear lacquer keep the colours bright and the wood safe from damp.
Tracked worldwide
Cushioned boxes, insured shipping, and a tracking link the moment your parcel leaves.
Shop by theme
From the classic Semenovo florals to fairy tales, animals and wood-burned sets.
Traditional Floral Folk Art
Authentic Russian folk painting featuring floral aprons and headscarves in classic Semenovo and Sergiev Posad styles.
View detailsChristmas & Santa (Ded Moroz)
Festive winter themes featuring Russian Father Frost (Ded Moroz), Snow Maiden (Snegurochka), and holiday magic.
View detailsRussian Fairy Tales & Folklore
Detailed scenes from beloved Russian folklore including Baba Yaga, Firebird, and Tsarevich stories.
View detailsCats & Whimsical Animals
Charming and playful nesting dolls featuring cute cats, kittens, and delightful domestic companions.
View detailsPyrography / Wood Burning Art
Unique woodburned outlines combined with rich watercolor and tempera tints.
View detailsBlank / Unpainted for DIY Art
Solid sanded natural linden wood dolls ready for your own painting, craft projects, or woodburning.
View detailsGift finder
Not sure which set to pick?
Answer three questions and we will point you at the sets that fit the person, the style, and the space.
- 1 Who for
- 2 Style
- 3 Size
Who is it for?
Which painting style do you like?
How big should it be?
Here is what we found
Three sets that fit your answers
Ordered by how closely they match the person, the style, and the size you picked.
Orders start at €250.00.
Shop by piece count
Each doll fits snugly inside the next. Three pieces make a good gift, twenty make a shelf piece.
3 pieces 3-Piece Nesting Dolls
Explore compact 3-piece Russian nesting doll sets. Perfect for children, desktop decor, gifts, and beginner collectors. 41 designs
4 pieces 4-Piece Nesting Dolls
Discover our collection of 4-piece nesting stacking dolls. Beautifully hand-painted with traditional floral motifs. 3 designs
5 pieces 5-Piece Nesting Dolls
Browse authentic 5-piece Russian nesting dolls, the classic and most celebrated traditional Matryoshka set size. 50 designs
6 pieces 6-Piece Nesting Dolls
Explore unique 6-piece Matryoshka nesting doll sets handcrafted by skilled Russian master woodturners. 1 designs
7 pieces 7-Piece Nesting Dolls
Shop 7-piece Russian nesting dolls. Considered a lucky number in folk traditions with rich floral and fairy tale artwork. 50 designs
10 pieces 10-Piece Nesting Dolls
Masterpiece 10-piece Russian nesting dolls. Each grand set contains 10 progressively nested dolls in solid linden wood. 50 designs
15 pieces 15-Piece Nesting Dolls
Grand 15-piece collector nesting doll sets. A testament to master woodturning and intricate miniature hand-painting. 10 designs
20 pieces 20-Piece Nesting Dolls
Giant 20-piece Russian nesting doll heirloom collections. The ultimate showpiece of lathe woodworking prowess. 3 designsSets worth a closer look
A dozen sets we keep coming back to, chosen for the turning and the brushwork.
A short history of the matryoshka
The Russian nesting doll, or matryoshka, was first turned in 1890 at the Abramtsevo estate workshops outside Moscow. The set of figures inside figures came to stand for family and continuity, and the craft spread from there to the workshops that still make them today.
Why linden and nothing else
Linden is cut in early spring when the sap is right, then dried outdoors for two to three years. That long wait is what stops the wood warping later, and it is why the halves of a good set still meet cleanly after decades.
Three workshop traditions
Semenovo
Yellow headscarves, red aprons and big scarlet roses, with the bare linden left showing as the face.
Sergiev Posad
Where the first nesting doll was made. Village scenes and folk stories in soft matte gouache.
Polkhov-Maidan
Bold black outlines and crimson rosehip flowers in bright dyes under a glossy lacquer.
Guides and history
How the dolls are made, how to spot a real one, and how to look after the set you have.
The Ultimate Guide to Russian Nesting Dolls: History, Meaning & Traditions
Explore the rich history, spiritual symbolism, and meticulous woodturning traditions of Russian nesting dolls. Learn how these iconic wooden figures became a worldwide symbol of motherhood, family, and folk artistry.
Matryoshka vs. Babushka Dolls: What Is the Real Difference?
Are 'Matryoshka' and 'Babushka' the same thing? We break down the linguistic origins, cultural misconceptions, and why Western collectors commonly use both terms for nesting dolls.
How to Spot Authentic Handcrafted Russian Nesting Dolls vs Cheap Knockoffs
Don't get tricked by plastic knockoffs or printed factory decals. Learn the 6 definitive tests experts use to authenticate genuine hand-carved, hand-painted Russian nesting dolls.
What people ask us most
What type of wood is used to craft authentic Russian nesting dolls?
They are turned from seasoned linden, the small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata). Linden has a fine, almost knot-free grain, it is light, and it barely moves when the temperature changes, which is what keeps the halves fitting together.
How can I tell if a nesting doll is authentic hand-painted rather than printed?
Authentic nesting dolls feature subtle brushstroke textures, unique individual facial expressions, natural unpainted linden wood visible on the base and interior, and a snug friction-fit seam. Mass-produced plastic or machine-printed knockoffs usually have plastic seams, chemical solvent smells, and flat decal overlays.
How can I pay, and is there a minimum order?
There are two ways to pay: a bank transfer (SEPA inside Europe, SWIFT elsewhere) or cryptocurrency, which takes five per cent off the total. We do not take cards. The minimum order is 250 euros, and shipping is included in the price.
What is the difference between a Matryoshka and a Babushka doll?
Matryoshka is the authentic Russian name, derived from Matryona (from the Latin 'mater', meaning mother). In Western nations, they are colloquially called 'Babushka dolls' because 'babushka' means grandmother in Russian, referring to the traditional peasant headscarf worn by the outermost matriarch figure.
How do I safely open a tight or stuck nesting doll?
Hold the doll horizontally at the waist seam with both hands, place your thumbs on the joint, and gently rock or flex sideways. Never pull straight apart and never pry with knives or metal tools.
How long does international delivery take?
Usually 6 to 10 business days within Europe, 7 to 12 to North America, and 8 to 15 elsewhere. Every parcel is tracked and insured, and shipping is included in the price.
What is your return policy?
You have 30 days from delivery. Write to us and we will arrange a full refund or a replacement, whichever you would rather have.