Russian Kokeshi Doll

The Russian Kokeshi doll is actually often confused with Japanese Kokeshi dolls; traditional Kokeshi dolls are Japanese, handcrafted from wood, and known for their simple cylindrical bodies, round heads, and painted floral or geometric designs. However, Russia has its own wooden doll-making traditions, such as the Matryoshka or nesting dolls, which were inspired in part by 19th-century Japanese art brought to Russia. These Russian wooden dolls share similarities with Kokeshi in being hand-painted and decorative, but they typically feature a set of nesting figures, each fitting inside a larger one. The origin of these Russian wooden dolls dates back to the 1890s in the town of Sergiev Posad, where Russian artisans created them as folk art souvenirs, blending traditional Russian peasant dress and cultural motifs with a playful, collectible design. Today, they are celebrated as iconic symbols of Russian craftsmanship and heritage.