The History of Matryoshka Dolls
Matryoshka dolls, also known as Russian nesting dolls, are a traditional Russian handicraft that has been enjoyed by both children and adults for over a century. They were first created in 1890 by a Russian craftsman named Vasily Zvyozdochkin and inspired by Japanese nesting dolls. The dolls typically consist of a wooden figure of a woman, decorated with colorful traditional Russian folk art, that can be opened up to reveal smaller dolls inside. But what is the most expensive matryoshka doll in the world?
The World’s Most Expensive Matryoshka Doll
The title of the most expensive matryoshka doll in the world goes to the Faberge matryoshka. It was created in 2014 by the House of Faberge, a jewelry company known for its luxurious creations. This particular matryoshka was designed to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Peter Carl Faberge, the founder of the company.
The Design and Cost of the Faberge Matryoshka
The Faberge matryoshka is made of 18-karat white and yellow gold and encrusted with diamonds, emeralds, and other precious stones. The outermost doll depicts the egg-shaped body of a lady covered in diamond, while the six inner dolls are beautifully handcrafted in the simplest Russian tradition. It is the most expensive matryoshka doll in the world and costs a whopping $127,000.
Why The Faberge Matryoshka is So Valuable
The Faberge matryoshka is so valuable because it is not just a beautiful piece of art, it also contains a piece of history. The House of Faberge is known for its Imperial Easter eggs, which were presented by the Russian Tsars to their wives and mothers as precious Easter gifts. These eggs were made of gold and encrusted with precious stones, and only a limited number were ever produced. The Faberge Matryoshka was also one of the limited edition collections produced by the Firm.
The Legacy of the Matryoshka Doll
While the Faberge matryoshka currently holds the title of the world’s most expensive matryoshka doll, it is only one example of the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into creating these dolls. Matryoshka dolls have become an important part of Russian culture and are often given as gifts to friends and family members. They have also become popular collectors’ items around the world. Whether you’re looking to own a piece of history or simply appreciate the beauty of Russian folk art, matryoshka dolls continue to be a treasured part of our world culture.