Show all images on one page	#001606 Title: Matrioshka "Children" Artist: Malashin Vasiliy Size: 17x8 Size (inches): 6.75x3 Price : $55 SOLD!

This beautiful nestling doll (matryoshka) is the production of Sergiev Posad Art School. It is made out of wood and includes five dolls. Since 19th century, matryoshkas have symbolized Russian folk art. The Russian word "matryoshka" can be translated into English as "mother" ("mat"), so matryoshkas are a symbol of motherhood and fertility. This nestling doll features a mother with her children. The mother is dressed in traditional Russian costume: a black sarafan adorned with bright orange plant patterns and a dark red kerchief richly decorated with blue blossoms surrounded with gold greenish foliage. Her children are also dressed in plain peasant costumes. The first and the biggest doll is painted more elaborately than the other ones. The mother depicted on it has hands in contrast to other dolls. She holds a pot as she has just fed a small kitten. Her daughter sits on the bench and caresses the kitten while her brother stands nearby. The second doll shows the mother and her son sitting on the bench with a puppy on his knees. The third one features the mother and her little son holding an apple. The forth and the fifth ones show only the mother because of their small size. The work isn't signed by the artist.