Matryoshka is the soul and evocation of Russia, the most famous and worldwide popular symbol of this country; the artwork is both sculptural and pictorial; it is a painted wooden toy in the form of a stacking doll with a set of wooden dolls similar to the external figure but of smaller size placed one inside another.
An egg-shaped doll with a flat bottom consists of two detachable parts: an upper and a lower one. The traditional material for the manufacture of the toy are hardwood species, and the colors used for painting are multicolored gouache, ink, or aniline dyes. Wax for woodworking or transparent oil-based varnish are employed to protect the finished product.
A contemporary Matryoshka accumulates all the wealth of artistic traditions of the Russian Applied Arts. Its characteristic features are exceptional picturesqueness, brightness and festivity.
The postage stamp features Russian Matryoshka dolls.
The composition of the souvenir pack in cover “Decorative and Applied Arts of Russia. Matryoshka” is included:
- stamp (tête-bêche) №2998 “Decorative and Applied Arts of Russia series. Matryoshka”;
- FDC with cancellation in Moscow “Decorative and Applied Arts of Russia series. Matryoshka”;
- vignette.
| Paper |
Printing method |
Edition |
| Chalk surfaced |
Offset + glossy lamination |
750 pcs. |