Matryoshka

The matryshka (матрешка) or nesting doll is one of the most recognizable symbols of Russia. However, the first matryoshka doll wasn't made until 1899. The origin of the matryoshka is actually Japanese! Sava Mamontov brought a Japanese Fukurama doll back from a trip to Japan as a gift for his wife Elizaveta. At the Children's Education Workshop, created by Mamontov's brother Anatoly, Vasily Zvezdochkin carved the first Russian version of the nesting doll and folk craft painter Sergei Malyutin painted it.

In 1900, Elizaveta Mamontova presented the dolls at the Paris Exposition, where they earned a bronze medal. Soon after, the dolls became popular in Russia and many regions developed their own unique style. You can now find matryoshka dolls with all sorts of themes including cartoon characters, politicians, athletes, and more.

The word matryoshka comes from the Russian name Matryona, which means little mother. The Russian word for mother is mat' (мать).

Color your own Matryoshka doll with this printable coloring page.