This bright matryoshka is made in style of Tver.
Matrioshka won a special prize at the international exhibition held in Paris in 1900 as a unique toy. Since the matrioshka appeared in the Western World for the first time in a 'Russian' stand, it has always been associated with Russia, so much so that it is often used as an informal symbol of the country. All right, but how true is this? I'm going to explain soon and you will be surprised as lots of people before you.
What is matrioshka? It is a painted wooden doll, rather specifically shaped, having from 3 to 15 smaller ones inside (one inside another). Usually the number is odd. Do not ask me why, as you will not get any answer. First matrioshkas were made as a 'big' mom and her children of different ages.
Nowadays you can find a never ending variety of matrioshkas of several shapes (spherical, in the form of cone or cylinder), but what is really unlimited is the fantasy of the painter inventing new people and plots to paint the dolls. You can meet series with Russian churches, Russian presidents (one inside another as if the next one has 'eaten' its predecessor), other political people, landscapes etc.. asshapes of matrioshkas.
Let me tell you some legends about this toy. But is it actually a toy? For me hardly so. I have never had one as a toy, never came across one in other children boxes with toys. Moreover you will hardly see it in Russian houses with the exception of those when it was presented. Not strange for me, what for should you have it in your house?
If you accost any street vendor selling souvenirs to foreigners you are sure to hear stories about ancient history of matrioshka. One will tell you that it originates from some Siberian a God (or rather goddess) which was used to symbolize women's fertility. Sounds very plausible.
Those with more vivid imagination will probably remind you of Egyptian pyramids and the fact that the pharaohs were usually buried in several coffins. Version, which is more difficult to believe than the previous one.
In any case do not believe people telling you stories about matrioshkas' thousands or even several hundred years history. That is either blatant lie or common ignorance. Real story of matrioshkas is much shorter and less amazing on one side, but has many mysteries and is surprisingly full of blanks on the other side.
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