Russian Nesting Dolls - The Beginning

According legend, first nested doll prototype appeared in Russia in the late 19th century (believed to be year 1890), it was figurine of bold headed old man, Buddhist sage by the name of Fukuruma, on the island of Honshu, Japan.

According Hakone Town Office, Japan, products such as "Shichifukujin" and "Irokawaridaruma" have been created from Junitamago. "Shichifukujin" was shipped to Russia at the end of the 19th century, becoming a folkcraft called Matryoshika, or a doll having children. It is thought that Russian missionaries from the Russian church which used to be in Tohnosawa visited Hakone for the summer and took "Junitamago" back to Russia as souvenirs. Let us explain what Shichifukujin mean.

According Japan sources -

Japan`s Shichifukujin--usually identified as Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Jurojin, and Hotei--are traditionally believed to bring good fortune and happiness to people. The seven have long been depicted in painting, sculpture, song, and dance and began to be worshiped as a group several hundred years ago. The practice of making a meguri, or pilgrimage, to shrines and temples of all the Shichifukujin during the New Year season became popular during the Edo period (1603-1868). Shichifukujin Meguri are still popular everywhere in Japan--including the Fukagawa and Kameido districts of Tokyo`s Koto-ku. But Russian nesting doll got another name and had a different meaning from the very beginning.

At the end of 19th century at Russia Children`s Education Workshop at Abramtzevo village near Moscow was established. Abramtzevo workshop started to produce dolls in traditional ethnic dress. That workshop collected dolls from all over the country and from countries abroad. Dolls series was designed to entertain childs and to give them knowledge of other ethnicities.

It is believed that Fukuruma doll inspired Russian artist S.V. Malyutin to produce first "Matrioshka" (nesting doll in Russian) doll. But Russian doll was different from original Japanese one. At Russia it became toy, game for childs, it depicted the chain of life, and got woman name.

It is the diminutive form of Matrona or Matriona. Therefore, Matroska, should be a feminine noun. "Matrona" is Bysantee and ancient Rome originated name, which means "well respected woman".

Matrioshka appeared as synthesis of Buddhist sculpture, pre-Christian toys of Russia and Christian beliefs of 19th century.

Original, ancient Russian dolls was produced from solid piece of wood and depicted ancient - pre-Christian gods. That dolls was in fact, miniature ancient Indo-Iranian pagans, they depicted Horses, Cows, Birds, Humans. Once Bysantee Empire style Christianity appeared in Russia at VIII-IX century, that type of dolls was transformed into wooden figures of animals and Heroes of fairy tales, cause " pagan toys " was not Ok to use anymore. Russian Matrioshka produced from solid piece of wood too, but became nested, and depicts people, fairy tales heroes or animals - same as many centuries ago, but now - with Buddhist sence, nested.

Nested doll was very popular toy for childs cause it helps to develop motility of fingers, imagination, representation about the sizes and colors.

"Matrioshka" nested doll spelled differently outside Russia. Exactly, According to the spelling mat + ros (as in albatross OR as in metros) + ka (as in Alaska) [mæ̀trɔ́skə, mæ̀tróuskə] According to the original Russian word ma as in machine; tro as in tr in try + Yo in New York, but shorter and narrower; ska as in sh in ship + ka in Alaska [mətrʲóʃkə] ----

Article provided by Russian nesting dolls internet shop: http://www.rus-sell.com

---

Better Links Directory

Identifying US Coins with Bullish Futures

Okay, let's get something straight? I do not advocate the... Read More

Wholesale Scrapbooking: Should You Start A Direct Sales Scrapbooking Business Just The Discount?

Have you ever thought about signing on with a scrapbooking... Read More

Remember When You Were Taught How To Make Things From Metal With Your Bare Hands?

How would you like the chance to use the skills... Read More

A Brief History of Japanese Daruma Dolls

Daruma dolls are representations of the historical Indian priest Bodhidharma,... Read More

The Power Of Scrapbook Journaling

By journaling your pages you will transform an ordinary collection... Read More

Diecast Collectibles: The Collectors? Guide to Making a Profit

Millions of people have made a hobby of collecting items... Read More

Aromatherapy Candles - How to Select the Right Scent

Feel sad, tired, or a little bit stressed? Something as... Read More

Tooling Leather

Use vegetable-tanned, light-colored top-grained leather for tooling leather. If you're... Read More

Blown Glass: They Do Still Make It Like They Used To

Blown art glass is quickly becoming one of the fastest... Read More

How to Make Sea Shell Candles

Collecting sea shells along the beach is a favorite kids... Read More

Plastic, Zinc, Brass, Embossing and Marking Stencils

Marking StencilsStencil is a cut-out form for an alphabets, numbers,... Read More

Easy Origami

Starting outOrigami is an art of paper folding, therefore all... Read More

Embroidery Designs Digitizing Software

Embroidery Magic 2 software program was created with multiple function... Read More

Printing on Canvas

Given the progress in inkjet and media technology, demand for... Read More

Rainy Day Fun - Crafts For Kids

Rainy days can be so boring for a child?and just... Read More

10 Reasons to Create and Give a Gift Basket!

10. A Themed Gift Basket is for everyone and every... Read More

Easy Crafts for Kids - Help with Learning

According to the research on child cognitive development, making use... Read More

Stress-Free Scrapbook Journaling Ideas

Do you find it intimidating when you come to journal... Read More

Comic Book Supplies, Necessities of the Serious Collector

If you want to keep your comic book collection in... Read More

Treasure Hunting - The Unusual Ways

When you think of treasure hunting, maybe gold coins and... Read More

Making Beaded Jewelry Is Easy to Do

Making beaded jewelry is an inexpensive and fun hobby that... Read More

The Unusual Characteristics Of Reverse Painting

By stepping backwards in time one can discover an important... Read More

Woodworking Tools: Right Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 5

Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 5 - Tools For... Read More

Gourd Enthusiasm Growing Around the World

Gourds played an essential role in the daily life of... Read More

Rubber Stamps : 10 Great Tips For Making Multiple Cards

You know the feeling. The kids have tons of demands,... Read More