Nesting Dolls (Matryoshka) - Traditional - 3 doll sets - Folk Art
Russian Gifts

'Admirer' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. RUSSIAN WEDDING In pre-Revolution Russia weddings were usually held in autumn (in October) and in winter before Lent, up to Shrovetide. The whole ritual of the Russian Wedding can be divided into three parts: the period before the wedding, the wedding, and the period after the wedding. The main rites of the traditional Russian wedding: the bridegroom sent a match-maker to the bride's parents the parents of the bridegroom visit the parents of the bride and have a talk the bride-show, where the bride shows what she has made before getting engaged ''sgovor'' (the reaching of an agreement about future wedding) the pre-wedding period usually ended in a devichnik (a girl-friend's party) or the bridegroom's party. The participants of the party were: Druzhka (a man who knew the ritual of the wedding ceremony well); tysyatsky (an honored member of the bridegroom's family or Godfather), the boyars (noblemen) - other relatives) the bridegroom will not get the bride unless he pays ransom for her the newly-weds have to kiss in public when their guests propose a toast and cry ''Gorko!'' (''Bitter!''). This means that they would like the newly-weds to kiss, and they pretend they can't drink the wine without sweetening it with the kiss. Other interesting facts about the Russian wedding: According to the Russian tradition, the bride must cry (before and at the wedding ceremony) even if she loves her bridegroom. Russian wedding laments are very poetic. After the wedding, the bride could no longer wear her hair uncovered. The Russians have a lot of ritual wedding songs. The bride and bridegroom ride to church in separate carriages. After the marriage ceremony in church, the newly-weds go home in one carriage. The parents of the newly-weds meet them at home with bread and salt and an icon, and they bless the newly-weds. Nowadays Russian weddings follow new sets of wedding rituals. There are a lot of ''Wedding Palaces'' (Dvortsy brakosochetaniya) in the country. The newly-weds are congratulated by the city administration, then they visit the places of interest of their city, pay their tribute to those who perished in war, visiting the Eternal Fire. Some of the newly-weds have a marriage ceremony in church, which, however, is not obligatory (but rather optional) for official marriage registration. Not many of the above-quoted traditional Russian wedding rites are followed nowadays.

'Anastasia' (set 1) $67.63 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist. RUSSIAN BEAUTY What is a typical old Russian conception of woman's beauty? The ideal of a beautiful woman was considered to be a tall, strong and stately woman with red cheeks, blue eyes and blonde hair. Such women were well-represented by the renowned Russian painter, Boris Mikhailovich Kustodiev. Such woman's beauty was also taken as a starting point for original matryoshka making. In provincial Russia before the revolution the name Matryona or Matriyosha was a very popular female name. It was derived from the Latin root 'mater' which means 'mother'. This name was associated with the image of a mother of a big family who was very healthy and had a portly figure. Subsequently, it became a symbolic name and was used specially to describe brightly painted wooden dolls made in such a way that they could be taken apart to reveal smaller dolls fitting inside on another. The first nesting dolls of Sergiev Posad portrayed this special beauty: young girls dressed in Russian sarafans carrying baskets, scythes, bunches of flowers or dressed in winter short fur coats and scarves. The nesting doll before you is a great example of Russian beauty reflected in a matryoshka doll.

'Anastasia' (set 2) $22.53 Size: approx. 6.5'' Metric: 16.25 cm Consists of: 5 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Anuta' $42.07 Size: approx. 4' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Architecture' (set 1) $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. YOUR HOUSE ON A NESTING DOLL Simply submit the photos of your house (or any other favorite building) to us via e-mail and our in-house nesting doll artists will paint a beautiful 3 piece nesting doll set with any favorite architectural sites of yours. You are not limited to just your own house. We will paint anything: from famous cathedrals, monuments and buildings (from Twin Towers to the Capitol Building) to abstract Russian huts on the seaside. We are limited only by your imagination.

'Architecture' (set 2) $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Aristocratic Ladies' $66.13 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Autumn' (set 1) $45.08 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful paintings of gorgeous Russian autumn. The tallest doll is signed by the artist. RUSSIAN CLIMATE & VISITING RUSSIA Most of Russia has a continental climate  the winters are bone chilling and the summers can be boiling. The swings are most extreme in southern and central Siberia, but even in Moscow temperatures can range from -30 to 30 Celsius (-20 to 100 Fahrenheit). The Black Sea coast and its resort communities tend to have the least swing. Late spring, early summer and the fall are good times to visit. During the hot summer months of July and August cities shut down as locals head to the countryside to live off the land at their dachas. In the beginning of September the ballets and the operas start back up and the cities come to life again. (The performing arts season runs from about September to May, although there are occasional shows in the summer, especially during St. Petersburg's White Nights Festival in June.) The first real cold hits Moscow and St. Petersburg sometime in November and there's usually snow on the ground from December through April. If you're prepared for the cold, Russia is often at its most beautiful under a blanket of snow. Winter is also the peak of the theater season and generally has fewer tourists. Steer clear of the mud and slush that covers the country during the spring thaw (April to May) and late fall.  Copyright ''The MoscowTimes''

'Autumn' (set 2) $52.6 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful paintings of gorgeous Russian autumn. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Awakening of Nature' $52.6 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful paintings of awakening of all nature at Russian spring time. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Baby Animals' $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. PETS ON NESTING DOLLS The tradition of painting pets, birds and poultry on nesting dolls is, actually, as old as the nesting doll itself. The first Russian nesting doll turned by Vassily Zviozdochkin and painted by Sergey Maliutin contained 8 pieces: a girl with a black rooster was followed by a boy and then by a girl again and so on. All figurines were different from each other, the last one was a figurine of a baby wrapped in diaper. Ever since then roosters and other poultry have been often pictured on matryoshka dolls. It is important to emphasize that poultry has always been treated a ''pets'' by both village and town children. Chicks and ducklings are often pictured in the hands of children being in the same nesting doll set with children holding kittens and puppies. The matryoshka doll before you is an excellent example of a ''pets nesting doll''. It will make a wonderful gift to any kid, especially a growing one as it may be used as both a toy and a teaching tool.

'Baby Girl' $60.11 Size: approx. 4' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Ballerina' $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the largest one is signed by artist. RUSSIAN BALLET Russia has made a unique contribution to the development of ballet. Ballet was introduced in Russia together with other aristocratic dance forms as part of Peter the Great's Westernization program in the early 1700s. The first ballet school was established in 1734, and the first full ballet company was founded at the Imperial School of Ballet in St. Petersburg in the 1740s. Italian and French dancers and choreographers predominated in that period, but by 1800 Russian ballet was assimilating native elements from folk dancing as nobles sponsored dance companies of serfs. European ballet critics agreed that the Russian dance had a positive influence on West European ballet. Marius Petipa, a French choreographer who spent fifty years staging ballets in Russia, was the dominant figure during that period; his greatest triumphs were the staging of Tchaikovsky's ballets. Other noted European dancers, such as Marie Taglioni, Christian Johansson, and Enrico Cecchetti, performed in Russia throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, bringing new influences from the West. The most influential figure of the early twentieth century was the impresario Sergey Diaghilev, who founded an innovative touring ballet company in 1909 with choreographer Michel Fokine, dancer Vaslav Nijinksy, and designer Alexandre Benois. After the staging of Stravinskiy's controversial The Rite of Spring , World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution kept Diaghilev from returning to Russia. Until Diaghilev died in 1929, his Russian dance company, the Ballet Russe, was headquartered in Paris. In the same period, the emigre dancer Anna Pavlova toured the world with her troupe and exerted a huge influence on the art form. After Diaghilev, several new companies calling themselves the Ballet Russe toured the world, and new generations of Russian dancers filled their ranks. George Balanchine, a Georgian emigre and protege of Diaghilev, formed the New York City Ballet in 1948. Meanwhile, the Soviet government sponsored new ballet companies throughout the union. After a period of innovation and experimentation in the 1920s, Russia's ballet reverted under Stalin to the traditional forms of Petipa, even changing the plots of some ballets to emphasize the positive themes of socialist realism. The most influential Russian dancer of the mid-twentieth century was Rudolf Nureyev, who defected to the West in 1961 and is credited with establishing the dominant role of the male dancer in classical ballet. A second notable emigre, Mikhail Baryshnikov, burnished an already brilliant career in the United States after defecting from Leningrad's Kirov Ballet in 1974. The large cities of Russia traditionally have their own symphony orchestras and ballet and opera houses. Although funding for such facilities has diminished in the 1990s, attendance at performances remains high. The ballet companies of the Bol'shoy Theater in Moscow and the Kirov Theater in St. Petersburg are world renowned and have toured regularly since the early 1960s.

'Ballet-Dancer' $43.58 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the largest one is signed by artist.

'Berry Basket' $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the largest one is signed by artist. This whole nesting doll set is dedicated to Russian forest berries. Up until the present time Russians actively harvest various forest berries, using them to make various jams, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. HARVESTING IN RUSSIA It is typical of Russia nowadays - just as it was centuries ago - for villagers (which are undoubtedly the majority of the country's population) to feed themselves more ''off the land'' than ''off the salary''. Salaries remain small, in many places they are being either delayed or ''paid in product'' (i.e. instead of cash you get the equivalent value of products that your plant manufactures), and rural Russians do not have much choice but grow their own fruits and vegetables, poultry and cattle - to feed themselves. Russians have always been thankful to the soil for all the ''gifts of the land'' - as they often gratefully call fruits and vegetables - that it is giving them. Harvesting, baskets of ripe fruits, berries, mushrooms and other ''gifts of the land'' have become a prominent ''theme'' of traditional nesting doll painting. The doll before you is one of the Russian ways to say ''thank you'' to the rich Russian soil.

'Blooming Garden' $37.56 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Christening' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This nesting doll set would make a terrific gift to a baptized (christened) child or his/her parents. CHRISTENING The word ''christen'' comes from English culture and isn't properly defined in the modern day. It obviously derives from the word ''Christ'', and means ''to bring to Christ''. It is usually used about infants rather than adults, implying infant baptism widely practised in the Russian Orthodox Church. Baptism is the rite whereby a person is made a member of the Christian church. From the Greek word baptizein (to dip), baptism refers specifically to a water rite. The sacrament of baptism, however, can be used for Christian initiation as a whole and can embrace both the water rite and the act of confirmation. The following table outlines the differences in the rites of Christian baptism in Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches. Eastern Orthodox Roman Catholic Protestant The baptismal service of the orthodox, or byzantine rites, like those of other historic rites, is a result of a number of short services charted to be spread over a period of time originally Lent, leading to baptism at Easterbut now celebrated together, one after another. Its shape and content have changed little for at least 1,100 years. Orthodox baptism is used more often for the baptism of infants than for that of adults. The service is divided in halt, the order for the making of a catechumen and the order of holy baptism, and this division is still clearly retained in the service books, the tow halves being printed separately, each with its own title; the order of holy baptism which surrounds the hallowing of the baptismal water, the pre-baptismal anointing, and the baptism itself. In Rome around the sixth century adult baptisms became rare and the custom of baptizing infants became general. In 1969, a new order for the baptism of infants was announced. In 1972, the Vatican issued a document known as the Order for the Christian Initiation of Adults that contains the rites of the catechumenate and of adult baptism, confirmation, and Holy Communion. The faith of parents who play a central role in the service is the decisive reason in welcoming infants for baptism. The parents, with the community, gather and profess the faith of the church. Baptisms are celebrated normally on Sundays at mass or at some other time of the day. The celebrant welcomes the party and asks the first questions establishing the willingness of the parents to bring their child up in the Christian faith. He then signs the child on the forehead with cross and invites the parents and godparents to do likewise. Intercessions for the child, the family, and all baptized persons are sought. There is a single prayer of exorcism and the anointing of the breast with the oil of catechumens. The blessing of the water follows, then the parents' renunciation of evil, and profession of faith with the gathered community. The act of baptismeither by immersion or a pouring on of waterfollows, the anointing with chrism, and the giving of the white garment and candle. The service closes with blessings for the mother, the father, and the assembled congregation. Protestant churches differ widely in the form for initiation into the faith. Some practice infant baptism, not unlike the manner described in the Roman Catholic form. Baptism is directed to those adults who have professed repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. Conversion must preface baptism. This personal response to the Holy Spirit is vital for membership in the body of Christ. The Protestant Christian people embodies those who have heard the gospel with faith and are within the fellowship of believers. The practice of adult baptism uses affusion, sprinkling of water over the head, or total immersion. Immersion is the going down into, or being buried beneath, and raised up from the water, proclaiming the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. What matters in Protestant baptism is not who is baptized, not how the rite is administered, but whether a personal response of the teachings and practices of the faith is achieved. Dedication of children is a common practice among Protestant faith groups that do not practice infant baptism. Dedication of children is a service at which a child receives a Christian name. Figure 1-5.Rites of Christian baptism. 1-15

'Christmas Eve' $54.95 Size: a approx. 4' Metric: a 10 cm Consists of: a 3 pieces Finish: a glossy (lacquer) Availability: a ships within 5-10 business days Origin: a Russian Federation a As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS Christmas is celebrated in Russia according to Russian Orthodox Church calendar - on 7 January. During this time people send warm greetings to each other, wishing good health, happiness and great successes. Unlike it is the case in Western countries, Russia does not celebrate Christmas as widely as they do the New Year's Day. In Russia, New Year's Day is a national holiday. Children do not go to school because they have winter holidays at that time. People do not work on that day. Many people celebrate New Year's Eve at home; they organize a party for members of the family or for their friends. A Christmas tree stands in every house at Christmas and sometimes Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden visit people's homes. Do you know that the first Christmas tree went on public display in 1852 at the Ekaterinhoff Concert Hall in St. Petersburg. the Russian are convinced that Grandfather Frost lives in a well-built wooden cottage (Russia izba) in the woods. it is also thought that he travels in a sleigh troika together with the Snow Maiden. the Snow Maiden is a beautiful girl with a long blond braid and she is dressed in a sparkling snow-patterned sarafan trimmed with polar fox. Her head is crowned by a stellar snow flake. Father Frost is dressed in a warm sheepskin coat, felt boots and has big gloves on his hands. people decorate trees in any way they wish. New Year is celebrated with the family. people like the costumed festivities. Children in different costumes dance around the Christmas tree, recite poetry, sing for gifts. children like to help with the holiday preparations; they make multi-colored toys from paper, cover nuts in gold wrappers

'Christmas Night' $54.95 Size: a approx. 4' Metric: a 10 cm Consists of: a 3 pieces Finish: a glossy (lacquer) Availability: a ships within 5-10 business days Origin: a Russian Federation a As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Cock-a-doodle-doo' (set 1) $30.05 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Cock-a-doodle-doo' (set 2) $30.05 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Dating' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Declaration of Love' (set 1) $30.05 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Declaration of Love' (set 2) $30.05 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Doggies' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Easter Bunny' $34.56 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone. EASTER In Russia the Easter Holiday is the most important holy festival of the year, with the tradition of exchange of eggs and three kisses as symbols of Resurrection. Easter commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eggs that are given at this time symbolize new life. Easter Observance Maslenitsa In old Russia, two months of every year was dedicated to the preparation and celebration of Easter. Like the Catholics, the Russians started the season with a festive celebration. Maslenitsa, or ''Butter Week,'' was eight fun days of stuffing, feasting, and carnival. Huge quantities of blini(small pancakes smothered in butter) were eaten at every meal. Shortly before Maslenitsa small cakes in the shape of larks were sold, representing the warmth, sky, and merrymaking that was soon to follow. Maslenitsa began eight weeks before Easter. Ice slides, booths, merry-go-rounds, jugglers, buffoons and mimes, ventriloquists, and swings made this week a carnival. There were sleigh processions, also. Businesses, schools, and public offices closed in the last days of Maslenitsa. The wealthy, decked in their finest jewels, went to dancing lunches and evening balls. Others started drinking in the morning, and were in high spirits all day. It was a festive week, similar to Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. The Great Fast After the carnival was the Great Fast, of Lent. It was observed by everyone. No animal or fowl meat, milk, eggs, butter, or sugar was allowed. Some alternatives were mushrooms, cabbage, oil, fish and potatoes, and coffee with milk of almonds. In the eighteenth century caviar was used extensively as a replacement for butter. At the start of Lent some people bought birds and set them free as a sign of hope that God would liberate them from their sins. Public amusement, dancing, and theatrical performances were forbidded, replaced by singing, concerts, and conservation. Palm Sunday, or Verbnoe Voskresene, was a happy break in the Great Fast. Great quantities of pussy willows were cut and brought in bundles to the cities. The Thursday before Palm Sunday saw cheerful and animated exhibitions of toys and flowers. In the Palm Market in St. Petersburg, every variety of branches, bare or decorated with paper flowers or leaves, were seen. Many booths were dedicated to wax angels. Eastern sherbets, Constantinople confections, icons, and even crosses made of gingerbread were also sold. This was a festival for the children. Toy and confections of sugar were given. Wealthy uncles and godfathers gave richly decorated palm branches, with gold angels, silver leaves, and small present-filled fruits on them, to nieces and godchildren. There were hugh markets of flowers and minature toy dealers. A great procession was held on the eve of Palm Sunday to commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem. People carried branches and sang hymns. The priests blessed the branches. The next morning it was the universal custom for children to beat those who had not risen from their beds with the branches. Eggs played an important role in the great festival, both at the Palm Market and at Easter. A number of eggs were dyed red, which were then given to the priest and carried around for days after Easter. The egg symbolized life, hope, and the Resurrection. It was customary to give an egg to every acquaintance met. Games were played with eggs, and then hugh quantities were eaten and used in the traditional Easter bread and dessert. Many eggs were decorated, some with short remembrances of the Resurrection and others exquisitely decorated, such as the Ukrainian pisanky. Easter The Orthodox Easter usually falls later than the Catholic Easter, depending on when Passover is. The Russian Easter falls one week after Passover. In old Russia, this was the holiday, the occasion of importance. Houses were scrubbed and furniture was repaired. Elaborate preparations were made in anticipation of the Easter feast. On Good Friday, the churches were dark, but their doors were kept continually open for those devout followers to enter and kiss the wounds of the Savior. Everyone fasted this last week, and the devout took no food at all on Wednesday and from Friday until Easter eve. Toward Saturday midnight the churches filled more and more; the court gathered in full dress while governors wore their gold embroidered uniforms. The vigil Mass was read slowly until midnight, when all the candles were lit and a joyous procession burst out of the church, singing and praising Khristos Voskrese. The church was brightly illuminated, bells rang, and choirs sang. After church, everyone went out to feast. There were lambs carved of butter, sugar flags and crosses, wide arrays of cold salads, hams, veal, roasted birds, and assorted cakes on tables in every household. The Easter bread, kulich was a traditional round and cylindrical bread decorated with frosting and the letters XB, representing ''Christ is risen.'' Another traditional dish, paskha, always accompanied the kulich and was a thick sweet creamy white spread made in a special triangular mold that also had the XB letters on it. The traditional Easter breakfast consisted of spreading paskha on the kulich, eating it with a hard-boiled egg dipped in salt, and washed that down with a tumbler of cold vodka. This breakfast was usually blessed by the priests during the Easter service, where the priests would walk between a double row of plates.

'Easter Eggs & Kulich' (set 1) $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone.

'Easter Eggs & Kulich' (set 2) $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone.

'Easter Fairy Tale' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone.

'Easter Gift' $34.56 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone.

'Easter Motifs' (set 1) $60.11 Size: approx. 4' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone.

'Easter Motifs' (set 2) $60.11 Size: approx. 4' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone.

'Easter Symbols' $30.05 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone.

'Emerald Flowers' $37.56 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Fairy Tale' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Father Frost, Snowgirl, Snowman' $87.91 Size: approx. 8.4'' Metric: 21 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: matte Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each piece has a gentle matte finish.

'First Spring Flowers' $30.05 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying tender and beautiful spring flowers. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Flower Basket' $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Frog Princess' Fairy Tale $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. The set displays miniature paintings based on the famous Russian ''Frog Princess'' fairy tale. ''FROG PRINCESS'' (Russian Folk Fairy Tale) Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, the Tsar decided that it was time for his three sons to get married. He called them together, telling them each to shoot their arrows, and whatever maiden their arrows should land by would be their bride. The eldest son drew back his bow, and shot his arrow, which hit next to a nobleman's daughter. The middle son then drew his bow, and shot his arrow, which landed by a merchant's daughter. Then came the turn of the youngest son, Ivan Tsarevich. Ivan drew back his bow and shot his arrow. But Ivan's arrow didn't find a maiden, it flew off into a swamp. To Ivan's great surprise, his arrow had landed next to a frog. His two older brothers laughed at him, and Ivan begged the Tsar not to make him marry the frog. But the Tsar understood the fate of young Ivan, and Ivan and the frog were married. Soon after his sons were married, the Tsar called them together once more. He had decided to set their wives to certain tasks to see which one could perform them the best. The first task was for them to bake a loaf of bread. Ivan went home and told his frog about baking the bread. The frog replied for him not to worry, and sent Ivan to bed. After Ivan was sleeping, the frog removed her skin and turned into Vasilisa the Beautiful. She stood in the doorway, clapped her hands, and her servants came running to her aid. When Ivan awoke the next morning the frog handed a loaf of white bread to him. After tasting the bread of all three wives, the Tsar declared that the bread of Ivan's wife was by far the best. The second task was to weave a beautiful carpet. Once again the frog sent Ivan to bed, shed her skin, summoned her servants, and wove a magnificent carpet. The Tsar once again chose the work of Ivan's wife over the others. The third task was to see which wife could dance the best at the royal ball. The frog told Ivan to arrive at the ball alone, and she would follow an hour later. And so Ivan arrived alone, and an hour later his wife, Vasilisa the Beautiful, arrived. She shamed the other wives by using her magic powers to dance and create a lake of swans. Ivan was so enchanted with her, that he destroyed her frog skin. Vasilisa screamed at him to stop, but it was to late. As soon as her skin was destroyed, Vasilisa turned into a swan and flew away to where she was obliged to be the prisoner of Koschei the Deathless. Ivan had to embark upon a long and magical journey to find his wife. He had to inquire from the evil witch Baba Yaga to learn of the magical feats that he must accomplish to free his wife. Baba Yaga tells him that he must travel to the Island of Buyan, and that Koschei's death is on the point of a needle, which is in an egg, inside a duck, which is in a hare, contained in a chest buried underneath a large oak tree. Ivan travels to the island, finds the tree, and with the help of several animals that he has befriended, he is able to break the egg to kill Koschei, and to snap the needle which frees Vasilisa. They return to their home and live happily ever after.

'German Cutie' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Girl in a Crown' $24.95 Hand-carved and hand-painted 3 pc stacking / nesting doll. Height: 3.4 inches (8.5 cm). 100% authentic. Imported from Russia.

'Girlfriends' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Golden Autumn' $45.08 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful paintings of gorgeous Russian autumn. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Grand Duchess' $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This nesting doll set portrays a gorgeous Russian Grand Duchess. GRAND DUCHESS A Grand Duchess is the wife of a grand duke or a woman who rules a grand duchy in her own right. The title of Grand Duchess is currently used by the female sovereigns of Luxemburg. Grand Duchess is also the traditional translation of the title velikaia kniaginia, which was given to daughters and granddaughters of a Russian Tsar. It can also be translated Grand Princess. This title was also given to the wives of sons and grandsons of the Tsar where it was considered an actual title not just a courtesy title. Several grand duchesses in Russia ruled after their husband's death in their own right. The title Grand Duchess is held by one of the following people: The daughter of a Russian Tsar The wife of a Russian Grand Duke The daughter of a Russian Grand Duke The Paternal Granddaughter of a Russian Grand Duke The wife of a paternal grandson of a Russian Tsar The wife of a sovereign Grand Duke A woman reigning in her own right in a Grand Duchy

'Hostess of the Copper Mountain' $23.13 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-8 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 5-7 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. Each piece in the set displays paintings based on the famous Russian fairy tale by Bazhov ''Hostess of the Copper Mountain''. ''HOSTESS OF THE COPPER MOUNTAIN'' by Bazhov This is a story from the mysterious Ural Mountains. It comes from a time when the spirits of forests and mountains still moved among humans, watching them, searching for those who could be taught their secrets before such ancient wisdom was lost forever. One such spirit was especially revered for her magic and great beauty. Some people knew her as an ancient mountain goddess; others called her the Mistress of the Copper Mountain, or the Malachite Lady, a name taken from the lovely green stone so often found in areas rich in copper... Once upon a time, a wandering boy was adopted by a lonely stonecutter named Prokopitch. Since Prokopitch had grown too old to care for his small flock of sheep and goats, taking in the orphan allowed Prokopitch to stay at home and carve while the boy drove the flock each day into their pasture above the village. The boy, Danila, loved animals and didn't mind being a shepherd, especially since he now had enough food and a warm bed at night. Each dawn, Prokopitch would prepare a lunch of thick bread and goat's cheese for the boy and Danila would set off into the mountains. Each evening, the boy would return. After dinner Danila would watch as the old man worked into the night, carving stone boxes and small animals by candlelight. They spoke little--the old man was unaccustomed to human companionship, and the boy was quiet by nature. One day, Danila forgot to take his lunch. Busy polishing a malachite box for an important client, Prokopitch never noticed. But as the noonday sun shone through the cottage windows, rays of light spilled over the boy's birchen basket and attracted the stonecutter's attention. The old man looked up. ''Eh? What's that? Poor boy, he'll need his lunch. He's thin enough as it is. I'll bring it up to him--the walk will do me good.'' The old man found his walking stick and set off. As the stonecutter neared the high pastures, he heard the sweet notes of a flute. Touched by the lovely music, he slowed his pace. Imagine his surprise when he went around a bend and saw that the piper was Danila! The boy sat on a large rock completely lost in his music while the herd grazed peacefully around him. On a smaller rock directly across from Danila, a lizard was sunning itself, its bright eyes fixed intently upon the boy. ''Danila!'' the man called in amazement. The startled boy spun around at the sound. The stonecutter went on, ''Even the birds are jealous of you--where did you learn to play like that?'' It's not m-m-me,'' the boy stammered. ''When I carved the p-p-pipe, I heard the music inside the wood.'' The old man reached for the wooden flute and examined it with a craftsman's eye. It was crude in places, and not well polished, but clearly the boy had a gift. ''Hmmm, hmm,'' he grunted, too wise to argue with the boy. ''Yes, yes, I see. It was inside the wood.'' After that, he often joined Danila for lunch. At first he came to listen to the music in the clear mountain air. But slowly he also began teaching the boy to carve wooden animals. Danila had nimble fingers and learned quickly. Prokopitch was pleased. Soon he taught Danila to carve more difficult figures, first in wood, then in stone. The old man was amused to see that the bright-eyed lizard often watched their lessons from a nearby rock. ''So you want to be an artist too, eh?'' he chuckled. The lizard paid no attention. Years passed and Danila grew from childhood to young manhood. One early spring day, Prokopitch discovered that someone besides the mountain lizard watched Danila. It was Katya, the young daughter of a neighbor. She was lying in the grass, her tender gaze fixed upon Danila's face as he played his flute. The old man smiled to himself and turned around before either of them noticed. The boy's becoming a man, he thought. Katya hadn't heard the old stonecutter approach that day. She heard only the music. As she watched Danila, she remembered when she had first fallen in love with him. She had been a little girl then. It was she who had first seen him wandering through the village streets, ragged, cold, and hungry. Something about his defiant stare touched her heart. ''What's your name?'' she asked. ''Danila,'' he replied. ''Danila, Danila,'' she murmured, loving its sound. ''Mine's Katya. Where do you live?'' He looked away from her. ''Nowhere.'' The little girl had drawn her brows tightly together and shut her eyes. The face of the old stonecutter flickered behind her eyes. She opened her eyes and pointed up a mountain path to Prokopitch's cottage. ''Go there,'' she said. The boy stared for a moment and then obeyed. After Prokopitch gave him a home, she sometimes joined the boy in the pasture where they played together with the goats. It was Katya who found the piece of wood that he carved into a flute. ''Will you play for me?'' she asked when it was finished. ''I don't know how yet,'' he replied. But when she joined him the next day, she discovered he'd already mastered the little flute. A lizard watched him with bright eyes -- and Katya felt a stab of jealousy because it was the lizard, not her, who first heard his music. She glared at the lizard but it ignored her. When Master Prokopitch began to join Danila, Katya came less frequently so that she wouldn't interfere with their lessons. But once she hid in the trees, watching them. She saw how Danila's eyes lit up when he was carving. She wondered if his eyes would ever light up that way when he looked at her. Now, as she lay in the grass watching him, listening to the otherworldly music, she wondered again if he would ever feel for her what she had long felt for him. Danila laid down the pipe and smiled at her. Then he reached for a small malachite lizard he was carving and Katya, disappointed, knew she had already become invisible to him. If it wasn't his music, it was his carving -- how could she compete? Sighing, she got to her feet and started back to the village. He never even looked up. Katya decided to stop visiting Danila after that, hoping he might miss her and call at her home. Weeks passed. Her mother noticed that Katya had become sad and pensive. ''What's wrong, little one?'' she asked. ''Nothing,'' Katya said. From outside she heard her name being called by a group of village maidens. ''Katya, Katya! -- we're going up to the forest! -- come with us!'' Grateful for a diversion, Katya accompanied them up to the birch forests on the far side of the village pastures. Being with her friends lightened Katya's spirits. The maidens filled the forest with laughter as they garlanded one another's heads with flowers and braids of birch leaves, and then roamed, singing, among the shining white trunks of the forest. Katya wandered off from the others. She was humming to herself, dreaming, when she saw a large, elegant white flower growing in the shade of a clump of tall birches. Awed, she drew in her breath. A thin sound floated through the birch grove, a sound like the wind, and suddenly she recognized it as the sound of Danila's flute. She was startled. Usually he pastured his flock at some distance from this place. She listened again, and slowly smiled. Hardly aware of what she was doing, Katya plucked the flower and walked towards the music. Danila sensed Katya's presence even before she left the shadows of the trees. He stopped piping and turned to face her. He had missed her very much. She saw his eyes light up and her heart skipped a beat. Finally! she thought, finally! Smiling, without a word, she held out the flower. Then, suddenly shy, she fled back into the birch trees and vanished. Danila was transfixed by the flower's beauty. He had never seen such a blossom before. He ran his fingers over the pale, smooth petals, feeling their coolness, their clean lines. If only I could carve something like this in stone! he thought. That evening Danila worked like one possessed, determined to find a way to capture the flower's beauty in stone. He memorized every vein and curve of the petals, their lilt and slope. When Katya returned to the pasture a few days later, hoping again to see the light in his eyes, he was nowhere to be found. Instead, a young neighbor's boy watched the flock. ''Where's Danila?'' she asked. ''Working,'' the child said. She went to Prokopitch's cottage, peering through the window, and saw Danila attacking a piece of stone with his chisels, sending stone chips flying in every direction. Nearby in a pitcher of water stood the flower she had given him. ''What have I done?'' she wondered miserably, and turned away. For many weeks Danila worked on his stone flower. Summer came and went and he continued to work. He thought of nothing else. Prokopitch tried to reason with him but Danila paid no attention. Autumn arrived and Katya wandered alone up in the pastures and along the streams. Once she thought she saw the lizard watching her, only it suddenly turned into a dark, shimmering woman who laughed at her and then vanished into the falling golden leaves. Katya shook her head, fearful that her heartbreak might lead to madness. In the early winter Danila finally finished the stone flower. The whole village agreed that it was beautiful. No one had ever seen a better one. But Danila was dissatisfied. The work was cleverly crafted, but lifeless. It looked like stone, not like living petals. He fell into a deep depression. Alarmed, Prokopitch sent for Katya and begged her to help. She called on Danila the following day and was relieved that at least a glimmer of light entered his eyes when he saw her. She sat across from him at the worktable. ''We must talk,'' she said, ''but first will you play your pipe for me?'' He protested but she insisted and finally he gave in. The music caught his spirit anew and he felt gently brushed by its joy for the first time in many months. He looked at Katya across the table, his eyes filling with tears. Never had she looked so beautiful to him. How could he not have known he was in love with her! How could he have wasted his time trying to carve something in stone that belonged only in frail tissues of life? He hated himself for his blindness, his foolishness. How fortunate that Katya was still patient with him! He put down his flute. ''Will you marry me, Katya?'' he whispered. Fresh snow fell gently on the day of their wedding and the whole village was there to celebrate. After the solemnities, there was feasting and dancing lasting far into the evening. Katya glowed with happiness, but a curious restlessness began growing in Danila. He moved around the room and finally joined a small group of men seated around the village elder. This withered old man was telling stories about the Mistress of Copper Mountain, whose underground kingdom, he said, was filled with jewels and shining flowers made of stone. Danila stared at the man's ancient face. ''I never heard of her before -- where is she to be found?'' he finally asked. ''High up in the mountains,'' the man said, looking at Danila with a strange half-smile, ''where no one ever goes. It's just a story, of course.'' The other men laughed, emptied their glasses, called for more, and no one noticed when Danila slipped out of the house. He went back to Prokopitch's cottage and stared at his stone flower in the moonlight on his worktable. It seemed to taunt him, mocking him for his lack of skill. Danila picked up a mallet and smashed the flower into tiny pieces. Then, determined to find the Malachite Lady or perish in the attempt, he ran out into the snowy night and headed for the mountains. He walked for days. At first he felt neither hunger nor cold. Once, hearing a rustling in the pines behind him, he glanced back and thought he glimpsed a dark-haired woman in rainbow robes following him. He blinked in surprise -- and she vanished. When the pines rustled again, his sharp eyes caught sight of a lizard jumping from one bough to another. My eyes are playing tricks on me, he thought -- first a beautiful woman, then a summer lizard! After many days Danila found himself in a high mountain pass facing a towering expanse of solid rock. Cold, hunger, and exhaustion swept through him. He couldn't go forward, nor did he have the strength to go back. Despairing, he sank to the ground and put his head in his hands. ''I've been a fool,'' he muttered. ''And now I've lost everything -- Katya, my life, my work. I've lost it all.'' A sound like the tinkling of crystal bells came to his ears. I'm dying, he thought, and buried his head more deeply in his hands. The tinkling continued, growing louder, then turned into laughter. Startled, Danila looked up and again saw the dark-haired woman in rainbow robes. ''You!'' he breathed in awe. Lost childhood memories unexpectedly flooded into his mind and Danila realized he had been dreaming of her ever since he was a little boy. ''Yes, I've always been near you,'' she was laughing again, the sound of tiny temple bells blowing in the wind. ''I've been waiting for you for a long time.'' She seemed to blur for a moment, turning into a woman as tall as the pines, watching him serenely, her embroidered garments as green as malachite. Shapeshifting again, she became human sized, dressed in flowing garments the color of rubies and carnelians. Her face changed, darkened, and the robes were lapis lazuli, amethyst, shimmering, then fading, until Danila was amazed to see nothing but a small lizard, staring boldly, while tinkling laughter rang all around them. He reached out to touch the tiny creature, but it vanished in a flash, leaving the dark-haired woman in robes of many hues. In her hand was a birch wand, new green leaves sprouting from its tip. She waved it towards the wall of solid rock and the wall began to move, one side sliding out from another, revealing steps cut into the rock, leading down into the depths of the mountain. ''Come,'' she ordered. Heart pounding, Danila followed. The mountain-goddess guided him through caverns, each one more beautiful than the last. Their walls shone with outcroppings of gems, and more jewels covered the ground. One cavern had a ceiling so low that Danila could barely stand upright -- the amethyst walls were lit from by an unseen light source and he felt as if he and the Mistress of Copper Mountain were held for a moment in the jewel's heart. She touched his brow briefly, and rivers of fire wakened throughout his body. Then she moved on, calling him to follow her into a cavern whose ceiling stretched so far up into the shadows that he could not even see where it ended. She sat on a stone bench and gestured for him to join her. Scooping up a handful of precious gems from the floor, she tempted him with them. ''All these can be yours,'' she smiled. ''No,'' he said firmly. ''I'm not looking for wealth.'' Again she touched his brow. ''What then?'' she asked. ''The Stone Flower,'' he replied. ''I want you to teach me how to carve the stone into something so wondrous that it seems like living tissue.'' She rose to her feet. ''Come then,'' she said, pleased. It seemed to Danila that they walked forever through caves of dazzling light before they finally reached one filled with stone flowers, small and large, of many colors, blossoming from the walls and ground. He had never seen anything so beautiful. Shall I ever be able to master this art? he wondered. ''Not even I can answer that,'' she murmured, reading his thoughts. They went down more steps and finally entered a cave with a great uncut piece of translucent green stone thrusting straight up out of the ground to a height twice Danila's own size. Danila stared in wonder. ''This is your Stone Flower,'' she said quietly. ''It's been waiting for you for a very long time. Your tools are there at its foot.'' She turned to leave. ''B-b-ut,'' he stammered. ''I don't yet know the secret. Forgive me, Holy Lady, but I'd hoped you'd teach me this.'' She laughed, her form blurring and shifting until she stood as tall as a great pine. ''You've always known the secret, Danila. Listen to the music inside the stone just as you listened to it inside the wood when you carved your flute. Don't force it to become what you want. Listen to what the stone wants.'' Then she vanished. With a mixture of fear and exhilaration, Danila went to the great stone and leaned his cheek against it, rubbing his hands over it in a caress. He heard nothing. He sat down with his back against the stone, trying to breathe its patterns into his own body. Exhausted, he finally curled up beside it and slept. When he awoke, he discovered warm bread, fresh berries, and a flask of mountain water standing nearby. Ravenous, he ate and drank, then slept again. Finally, rested, he again leaned his face against the stone, embracing it with his arms, staying in that position for hours, listening, listening, and, slowly, hearing. Only after many days did he finally begin carving, only when the stone's music had melted into him, becoming part of him. Only then did he truly know that the stone was inviting him to carve it into the flower that had long sung, invisibly, deep within the mineral's heart. In the outside world, winter had turned to spring, then summer, and finally autumn while Katya grieved for her husband. Her parents and friends all urged her to forget Danila and marry someone else, but she refused. At last, to get away from their nagging voices, she went to stay with Prokopitch, helping him polish his stone boxes, selling them for him in the village market, and preparing his meals. The old man rarely spoke, and this suited Katya's own sorrowful mood. She never went up to the pastures anymore. A neighbor's child tended the old man's sheep and goats, but the child had his meals with his own family and Katya rarely saw him. One evening, while Prokopitch was carving, Katya was brushing her hair in front of a mirror. She stared dreamily into the mirror, mesmerized by the movement of her golden hair in the candlelight. Suddenly, the surface of the mirror trembled and clouded over. Startled, Katya leaned closer and watched as Danila appeared before her eyes! She saw him in a cavern with jewels glistening from the walls, but these were nothing compared with the beauty of the translucent green flower he was carving. ''Danila!'' she cried, and it almost seemed as if he heard her, for he dropped his chisel, and looked around. She reached out to touch him, but her fingers met only her mirror. Then a second figure appeared -- the dark woman she thought she had seen turn into a lizard when she had wandered heartbroken through the upper pastures a year earlier. The woman reached out for Danila and he moved willingly into her arms. ''No!'' Katya sobbed, ''no.'' The vision vanished. Katya went the next day to seek the advice of the village elder, a wise man, older than anyone in living memory. He listened with half shut eyes. ''It's Her,'' he said at last. ''That's who you saw. Danila asked about Her the night of your wedding. I told him it was only a story but he must have guessed the truth.'' ''Her? Who do you mean, 'her'?'' Katya demanded. When she learned what the elder knew, little though it was, she decided to follow Danila into the high mountains. Goddess or not, she determined, she and Danila belonged together and she wanted him back. The first snows were starting to fall when Katya kissed Prokopitch goodbye, told him not to worry, and set off. She was warmly dressed and carried enough food to last for several days, or longer, if she were careful. The elder hadn't known how long she might have to walk and she wanted to be prepared. The storm worsened as she climbed higher. Trees reached out to catch at her clothing, roots sprang up to trip her, the wind tore at her braids, tangling them in the branches, and a tree uprooted itself before her eyes and nearly crushed her. Several times she thought she heard tiny bells and someone laughing at her, and once she glimpsed the dark lizard-woman, but a moment later there was nothing. ''Maybe she's watching me, maybe she's not,'' Katya muttered aloud. ''I don't care. She can't stop me.'' Katya had great courage. She trusted that even her otherworldly rival would be unable to defeat the strength of Katya's love for Danila. The dangers she might have to face on the way were small compared to treasure she sought. Danila's work on the Stone Flower was nearing completion. He was awed that the stone had allowed him to shape its music into such beauty. The petals seemed to breathe, lit by an inner radiance. The stone has given me the secret of giving form to its soul, he thought. Sometimes he wondered if the stone's soul and his own weren't the same, so closely were they intertwined. He stepped back now, gazing upwards at the luminous petals. The goddess suddenly appeared at his side, her silken green robes swirling around her. Danila barely glanced at her. Frowning, she read his thoughts. He's restless, she thought, and irritable. He thinks he's accomplished what he came for but he's wrong. I've been able to awaken his soul but not his human heart. Without both, one day he'll abuse what now still has the power to awe him. He's flawed, like a jewel with no warmth. It's better that he die here. Unless... She blurred her form into a wind, leaving the caverns far behind, and a moment later she was swirling high above the pines, searching for a hungry, exhausted woman lost in the mountains. Katya couldn't permit herself to recognize that she was hopelessly lost, starving, her feet swollen, her clothes torn, her body frozen and numb. It would be so good, she thought, just to sit and rest for a moment, to lie in the snow, to fall asleep, and never wake. ''No,'' she muttered grimly. ''Never. I'll keep searching as long as I have any strength left.'' She closed her eyes tightly and tried to summon the visions that had once came to her so readily. But nothing happened. She opened them and stumbled on. ''Danila, Danila,'' she murmured, finding strength in his name. Hours later, not knowing nor caring how she got there, Katya found herself in a mountain pass facing a towering expanse of rock. It looked impassable, yet scattered birch leaves marked a path towards something glowing at the base of the dark rock, inviting her to draw nearer. When she did, she discovered a secret entrance -- and steps leading down into a cavern shining with light. Cautiously, she entered. It was warm inside. She found a steaming, hissing pool of mineral waters where she knelt and drank. She felt the warmth coursing through her body, restoring her. Beyond the pool was a tunnel leading into larger caverns. ''Danila!'' she called as the path drew her downwards. * * * The Malachite Lady stood at Danila's side and reached out to touch his cheek. He pulled away. ''No,'' he said shortly. ''Not now -- forgive me, Holy Lady, but the stone flower is finished now. I need to leave -- I need to show others what I can do. I miss the pastures, the forests. I miss --'' and his voice caught in a half-sob, ''I miss Katya. I've been down here too long.'' As he turned, she reached out to hold him back but he tore away and rushed toward one of the tunnels leading out of the cavern. Abruptly, a sheet of rock fell into place, sealing it off. Frightened, Danila ran towards another opening, trying to hurtle through it before she could act. But another sheet of rock was already crashing into place. Her tinkling laughter rang through the air. ''You see, you can't leave me if I don't wish it.'' From a distance Danila heard someone calling his name and he froze, dazed, as the name echoed through the vast network of caves. Slowly, the voice came nearer until finally he recognized it. ''Katya!'' he cried, springing towards the last opening. ''Katya! Katya!'' He leaped through the passage and into the next cavern, still shouting, rushing over the uneven ground. Katya, guided by his voice, now suddenly appeared at the other end of the same cavern and ran towards him as if her feet were winged. They met for a moment in a tearful, joyous embrace. Then Danila broke free. ''Come,'' he whispered urgently, ''I must get you out of here before it's too late!'' The laughter of a thousand tiny bells filled the cavern and the Mistress of Copper Mountain towered above them. ''Quick!'' Danila said, ''get behind me.'' He tried to pull her to safety, but Katya was too fast. She stepped forward, boldly confronting the goddess. ''You've kept him long enough,'' she shouted. ''Now it's my turn! -- I want him back!'' The towering figure blurred and coiled itself into a woman in rainbow robes who was now only slightly taller than Katya herself. Katya stared into her dark, fathomless eyes. ''I know you've cared well for him,'' she said more gently, ''but no one could love him as much as I do -- please, please, Holy Lady, let him go.'' The goddess shifted her gaze to Danila. ''And you, Danila?'' she asked softly. ''What is in your heart?'' Danila couldn't speak. He moved forward, placing one arm protectively around Katya. Tears streamed down his face as he felt his heart bursting within him. The Malachite Lady read his heart. Yes, she thought, we've succeeded at last. Turning back to Katya, she reached into her flowing sleeves and pulled out a malachite box. ''I entrust it to you, Katya. I've already given Danila the secret of the Stone Flower, but to you, I give of my own essence.'' Katya opened the box and gasped. It was filled with pebbles and jewels in all the colors of the rainbow. She picked up a plain stone of polished granite and saw the goddess blur into a spirit of grey mists and fog with a laughter as rich as summer thunder. Then a piece of amber, and the mists swirled downward and turned into a small woman in golden robes embroidered with pine needles. A ruby, and the goddess grew tall, dressed in snapping flames. Lapis Luzuli, and she turned into a cosmic mother whose robes were the night sky scattered with stars. She smiled at Katya. ''Back in your world, you'll no longer see me as you just have, but the power remains coiled in each stone, responsive to a heart wise enough to understand.'' Then she vanished. The ending is simply told: Katya and Danila found their way back into the world, where it was springtime. The villagers welcomed them with joy. Danila soon became famous for his wonderful stone flowers and people came from as far away as the Czar's court to admire them. Katya and Danila had many children and Danila patiently taught them the secrets of his craft. But Katya taught them the most important thing of all -- respect for the inner wealth and unseen powers lying in the trees, lizards, rocks, and streams all around them.

'It's what you don't see that matters!' $30.05

'Ivan and Maria' $52.6 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist. ''IVAN & MARIA'' FAIRY TALE Once upon a time in some village there lived an old man and his wife. They had an only daughter whose name was Marya. Every day the old man went to the forest to get firewood. One day the old man went to the forest and began to chop the trees. Suddenly he heard a strange voice: ''Let your daughter marry! If you don't do it we won't allow you to go to the forest anymore and chop trees!'' The old man returned home and told his wife everything that had happened with him. His wife cried bitterly because she didn't want to send her daughter in the forest and let her marry someone whom she had never seen. At last she said: ''Go to the forest for the last time. May be everything will turn out all right.'' The old man went to the forest and heard again the strange voice: ''Let your daughter marry or you will be killed!'' There was nothing to do and the old man agreed. Marya got her things together and went to the forest. She came to a ramshackle hut standing on chicken legs and entered it. An old woman was sitting on the bench in the hut and spinning. ''Who are you?'' asked the old woman. ''I've been living with my mother and father till I was married to someone who lives in the forest.'' replied Marya. ''Your bridegroom lives here. Eat and go to bed!'' said the woman. Some time later twelve lads entered the hut. She said to the youngest of them: ''Ivan, your bride is here.'' Ivan went to bed and fell asleep at once. In the morning the lads got up and went to work. The old woman asked Marya: ''Have you seen your bridegroom?'' ''No, I haven't seen him. He was sleeping the whole night. I want to look at him very much.'' replied the girl. ''Don't do it! If you drop a burning match our house will burn down'' warned the old woman. Next night Marya took the old woman's advice and didn't try to look at her bridegroom. But it was so interesting for her to look at him and she said to the old woman: ''I can't bear it anymore! This night I will look at my bridegroom!'' ''Be careful'' cautioned the old woman. In the middle of the night the twelve lads entered the hut. They said to the youngest of them: ''Ivan, your bride is here. Don't eat supper with us, go to bed!'' Ivan went to bed and fell asleep at once as before. Marya took a match box, stroke a match and dropped a small spark. At that moment everything around in the hut took fire. Everybody ran out from the hut and scattered. Marya was alone who stayed near the remains of the burnt hut. There was nothing to do and she went wandering. The girl passed many countries and wild fields until she reached a hut standing on chicken legs. Baba Yaga was sitting near the hut. ''Where are you going?'' she asked the girl. ''I am looking for my husband Ivan'' replied Marya. ''You will have to undertake a long journey. I'm very tired. Please, stoke the bath house and bring water in a sieve for my children'' suddenly offered Baba Yaga. The girl took the sieve, stopped up the holes with clay and brought water. Then she stoked the bath house and asked Baba Yaga, ''Where are your children? The bath house is ready.'' Baba Yaga pointed at some frogs jumping nearby and exclaimed: ''Here are my children!'' Marya picked up the frogs, brought them in the bath house and washed them. Baba Yaga asked the frogs, ''How well has this girl washed you?'' ''Very well, mother'' replied the frogs. Baba Yaga called Marya and said, ''Thank you for your help. I will endow you later. Could you help me once more? Go to the cow-house and feed my cows!'' Marya went to the cow-house and fed the cows. Baba Yaga asked the cows, ''How well has this girl fed you?'' ''Very well!'' answered the cows. Baba Yaga called Marya and said, ''You are a very good girl. Take this spinning-wheel and this lace-frame. These things will help you to return your husband.'' Marya thanked Baba Yaga and continued her journey. Some time later she came to the kingdom where Ivan lived. She met there the old woman with whom she had been living in the hut together with twelve lads. The old woman exclaimed as soon as she saw Marya, ''Your Ivan is married to Yagivovna now. It's impossible to visit him!'' Marya sat on the bench near the old woman's house and began to spin. Yagivovna was passing nearby carrying pails of water. She saw Marya's spinning-wheel and said, ''Sell me this spinning-wheel.'' ''I will give it to you if you let me to look at Ivan!'' replied Marya. ''Come in the evening and bring your spinning-wheel.'' In the evening Marya came to Yagivovna's house and brought her spinning-wheel. She found Ivan, but he was sleeping deeply. She tried to wake him up but couldn't do it. In the morning Yagivovna kicked Marya out of her house. The girl returned to the old woman and told her everything that had happened with her. The old woman decided to help the girl. She went in the field where Ivan usually strolled, found him and asked, ''Do you love your former wife?'' ''Yes, I love her very much'' replied Ivan. ''Then listen to me carefully. Your wife came to you last night, but you were sleeping. You couldn't wake up because Yagivovna gave you a hypnotic potion to drink. This evening Yagivovna will feed you with hypnotic pancakes. Pretend that you eat her pancakes and throw them under the table. If you do everything correctly you will see your former wife.'' Meanwhile Marya took her lace-frame and sat on the porch of the old woman's house. Yagivovna was passing nearby. ''Sell me your lace-frame!'' exclaimed Yagivovna. ''I may present it to you if you let me to look at Ivan!'' replied Marya. ''Come in the evening and bring your lace frame.'' In the evening Ivan came home and Yagivovna gave him supper. Ivan pretended that he ate everything and went to bed. Late at night Marya came, gave her lace-frame to Yagivovna and went to Ivan. In the morning Yagivovna tried to kick Marya out of the house but Ivan said, ''Marya will stay here with me. Go away!'' Since that time Ivan and Marya lived happily and had many children.

'Jasmine' $60.11 Size: approx. 6.5'' Metric: 16.25 cm Consists of: 5 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Joyful Christmas' $87.02 Size: approx. 8.4'' Metric: 21 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: matte Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each piece has a gentle matte finish.

'Kirovskaya' 03 pc Matryoshka $24.85 - reduced price $19.85 Size: approx. 5' Metric: 12 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 3-5 business days  Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this 3 piece set 'Kirovskaya' nesting doll - painted in the traditional Kirovsky or Vyatsky style - is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. Would make a wonderful gift to anyone interested in Russia.

'Kitty' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Laying Hen' (set 1) $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Laying Hen' (set 2) $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Lilies of Love' $30.05 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Magnolia' (set 1) $37.56 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Magnolia' (set 2) $60.11 Size: approx. 6.5'' Metric: 16.25 cm Consists of: 5 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Maidan' 03 pc Matryoshka $6.39 Size: approx. 3' Metric: 7.5 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 3-5 business days  Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this 3 piece set ''Maidan'' nesting doll - painted in the traditional Polkhov Maidan style - is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 2 layers of crystal clear lacquer.

'Morozko' Fairy Tale $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 7-12 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 5-7 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. Each piece in the set displays paintings based on the famous Russian fairy tale ''Morozko''. MOROZKO (FATHER FROST) (Russian Fairy Tale) Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a husband with his second wife. From each of their first marriages they each had a daughter. The wife's daughter was spoiled and mean, whereas the husband's daughter was very gentle and kind. The wife only loved her daughter, and made the other girl work very hard. The poor girl cleaned and cooked for the wife, and was often beaten as the wife's hatred for her grew. One day, in the middle of a terrible winter, the wife decided that the girl should be taken deep into the woods and left there to die. The husband of course did not want to agree to this, but he himself was also afraid of the woman. So he reluctantly took his daughter into the forest where he left her. The girl sat helpless and alone under a tree. Soon she heard the breaking and snapping of twigs and branches, and then a voice spoke. ''Are you warm my child?'' it said. The girl recognized the ominous voice as that of Father Frost and replied, ''Yes Father Frost, I'm quite warm.'' Father Frost repeated his question several times, each time coming closer to the girl. The girl always answered that she was warm, and then thanked him. Feeling pity for the poor creature, Father Frost wrapped her in a beautiful coat, showered her with gifts, and kept her warm throughout the night. Returning the next day to retrieve his daughter's body, the husband was happily surprised to find her not only alive, but dressed warmly and covered with riches. Upon their return home, the jealous wife then insisted that her own daughter be left in the forest overnight, hoping that she too would return wealthy. Again the husband drove deep into the woods, this time leaving his stepdaughter there. As the night grew long she too heard the voice of Father Frost. ''Are you warm my child?'' he asked. The girl was annoyed with his question and replied, ''Of course not, now leave me alone!'' Father Frost was enraged with her reply and sent the coldest frost that there had ever been. When the husband drove into the woods the next day, he returned not with the girl showered in riches, but with her cold frozen body instead. Upon his return home he took his daughter and left his evil wife. The husband and his daughter lived happily ever after.

'Mushrooms Basket' $64.62 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the largest one is signed by artist. This whole nesting doll set is dedicated to Russian harvest. Its significance if beautifully outlined below.

'Nanny (with Boys)' $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist. The set displays a good Russian nanny - loving and caring - baby-sitting with two little boys and a girl.

'Nanny (with Girls)' $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist. The set displays a good Russian nanny - loving and caring - baby-sitting with little girls.

'New Life' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll - symbolizing a new life - will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone.

'Nun' $27.04 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-8 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Orchard Gifts' $43.58 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the largest one is signed by artist. This whole nesting doll set is dedicated to Russian harvest. Its significance if beautifully outlined below.

'Orthodox Church' $45.08 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Poppies' $60.11 Size: approx. 6.5'' Metric: 16.25 cm Consists of: 5 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Poppy, Narcissus & Lily of the Valley' $43.95 Size: a approx. 4' Metric: a 10 cm Consists of: a 3 pieces Finish: a glossy (lacquer) Availability: a ships within 5-10 business days Origin: a Russian Federation a As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Puppies' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Puppies & Kittens' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Purity' $34.95 - reduced price $24.49 Size: a approx. 4' Metric: a 10 cm Consists of: a 3 pieces Finish: a glossy (lacquer) Availability: a ships within 5-10 business days Origin: a Russian Federation a As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Revelation or Heavenly Vision' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: REVELATION Prophet Isaiah had a revelation from the Lord where he was told that in Heaven: The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. Isaiah 11:6-7 :: New International Version (NIV)

'Russian Beauty' (set 1) $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Russian Beauty' (set 2) $52.6 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Russian Easter' (set 1) $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone.

'Russian Easter' (set 2) $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone.

'Russian Farmer' $45.08 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Russian Lady' (set 1) $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Russian Lady' (set 2) $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Russian Orchard' (set 1) $37.95 Size: approx. 4' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the largest one is signed by artist. This whole nesting doll set is dedicated to Russian harvest. Its significance if beautifully outlined below.

'Russian Orchard' (set 2) $47.07 Size: approx. 4' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the largest one is signed by artist. This whole nesting doll set is dedicated to Russian harvest. Its significance if beautifully outlined below.

'Russian Winter' $52.6 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful scenes of traditional Russian winter. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Santa Claus' $6.25 Tiny Christmas nesting doll Santa on all three pieces of the set. Size: 3 inches (7.5 cm). Consists of: 3 pieces. Availability: ships within 3-4 business days. . As all of our nesting dolls, this set is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one.

'Scandinavian Girl' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Scarlet Flower' Fairy Tale (set 1) $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-8 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful miniatures from the famous ''Scarlet Flower'' fairy tale. The largest doll is signed by the artist. THE SCARLET FLOWER (Russian Folk Fairy-Tale) Once upon a time in a far away land a merchant was preparing to set out on a long journey. This merchant had three daughters, and he asked all of them what they would like as gifts for themselves when he returned from his voyage. The first daughter requested a golden crown, and the second one wanted a crystal mirror. The third daughter asked only for ''the little scarlet flower.'' The merchant set out on his journey. It did not take him very long to find a beautiful golden crown and a fine crystal mirror. He had difficulty however, finding the third gift, the scarlet flower. He searched everywhere, and eventually his search led him into a magical forest. Deep within these woods there was situated a palace, in whose courtyard grew a beautiful flower. As the merchant drew closer to the flower he realized what it was, the scarlet flower. Cautiously, the merchant picked the flower that his youngest daughter wanted so badly. Upon picking the scarlet flower he was confronted by a hideous beast, who demanded that in return for picking the flower the merchant must send one of his daughters deep into the enchanted forest, to live with the beast forever. Upon recieving the scarlet flower, the merchant's youngest daughter agreed to go to the beast. She journeyed alone into the forest and found the castle where she would dwell forever. For a time, she lived there very happily. The beast had not revealed himself to her, and showered her daily with kindness and gifts. She started to grow quite fond of her invisible keeper, and one day asked that he show himself. The beast reluctantly gave into her plea, and just as he had feared, she recoiled in terror at the site of him. That night the girl had a haunting dream about her father falling deathly ill. She begged the beast to release her, so that she could find her dying father. Touched by her concern, the beast released her on one condition - that she return to him in three days time. The girl found her father, and prepared to return to the beast in the allotted time. However, her sisters altered the time on the clocks, making her arrive late. There upon her arrival the girl was horrified at what she encountered. The beast was dead, lying there clutching her scarlet flower. Heartbroken, the girl embraced the dead beast, and declared her love for him. Having done this, she unknowingly broke the evil spell, and her beloved beast awoke, turning into a handsome prince. They lived happily ever after.

'Scarlet Flower' Fairy Tale (set 2) $52.6 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-8 business days  Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful miniatures from the famous ''Scarlet Flower'' fairy tale. The largest doll is signed by the artist.

'Scarlet Shawl' $37.56 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Semenov' 03 pc Matryoshka $13.12 Size: approx. 2.5' Metric: 6.25 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-7 business days  Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia.

'Sincerity' $60.11 Size: approx. 6.5'' Metric: 16.25 cm Consists of: 5 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Sleigh Ride' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful scenes of traditional Russian winter. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Snow Queen' Fairy Tale $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the largest one is signed by artist.

'Spring' (set 1) $52.6 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful paintings of awakening of all nature at Russian spring time. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Spring' (set 2) $45.08 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful paintings of awakening of all nature at Russian spring time. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Spring Bouquet' (set 1) $30.05 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying tender and beautiful spring flowers. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Spring Bouquet' (set 2) $30.05 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying tender and beautiful spring flowers. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Summer' (set 1) $45.08 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful paintings of colorful Russian summer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Summer' (set 2) $52.6 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful paintings of colorful Russian summer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Tender Christmas' $87.02 Size: approx. 8.4'' Metric: 21 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: matte Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each piece has a gentle matte finish.

'Tender Lilies' $30.05 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'The Six Swans' Fairy Tale $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. The set displays miniature paintings based on ''The Six Swans'' fairy tale by the Grimm Brothers. ''THE SIX SWANS'' by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm A king was once hunting in a great forest, and he chased his prey so eagerly that none of his men could follow him. As evening approached he stopped and looked around, and saw that he was lost. He looked for a way out of the woods, but he could not find one. Then he saw an old woman with a bobbing head who approached him. She was a witch. ''My dear woman,'' he said to her, ''can you show me the way through the woods?'' ''Oh, yes, your majesty,'' she answered, ''I can indeed. However, there is one condition, and if you do not fulfill it, you will never get out of these woods, and will die here of hunger.'' ''What sort of condition is it?'' asked the king. ''I have a daughter,'' said the old woman, ''who is as beautiful as anyone you could find in all the world, and who well deserves to become your wife. If you will make her your queen, I will show you the way out of the woods.'' The king was so frightened that he consented, and the old woman led him to her cottage, where her daughter was sitting by the fire. She received the king as if she had been expecting him. He saw that she was very beautiful, but in spite of this he did not like her, and he could not look at her without secretly shuddering. After he had lifted the girl onto his horse, the old woman showed him the way, and the king arrived again at his royal castle, where the wedding was celebrated. The king had been married before, and by his first wife he had seven children, six boys and one girl. He loved them more than anything else in the world. Fearing that the stepmother might not treat them well, even do them harm, he took them to a secluded castle which stood in the middle of a forest. It was so well hidden, and the way was so difficult to find, that he himself would not have found it, if a wise woman had not given him a ball of magic yarn. Whenever he threw it down in front of him, it would unwind itself and show him the way. However, the king went out to his dear children so often that the queen took notice of his absence. She was curious and wanted to know what he was doing out there all alone in the woods. She gave a large sum of money to his servants, and they revealed the secret to her. They also told her about the ball of yarn which could point out the way all by itself. She did not rest until she discovered where the king kept the ball of yarn. Then she made some little shirts of white silk. Having learned the art of witchcraft from her mother, she sewed a magic charm into each one of them. Then one day when the king had ridden out hunting, she took the little shirts and went into the woods. The ball of yarn showed her the way. The children, seeing that someone was approaching from afar, thought that their dear father was coming to them. Full of joy, they ran to meet him. Then she threw one of the shirts over each of them, and when the shirts touched their bodies they were transformed into swans, and they flew away over the woods. The queen went home very pleased, believing that she had gotten rid of her stepchildren. However, the girl had not run out with her brothers, and the queen knew nothing about her. The next day the king went to visit his children, but he found no one there but the girl. ''Where are your brothers?'' asked the king. ''Oh, dear father,'' she answered, ''they have gone away and left me alone.'' Then she told him that from her window she had seen how her brothers had flown away over the woods as swans. She showed him the feathers that they had dropped into the courtyard, and which she had gathered up. The king mourned, but he did not think that the queen had done this wicked deed. Fearing that the girl would be stolen away from him as well, he wanted to take her away with him, but she was afraid of her stepmother and begged the king to let her stay just this one more night in the castle in the woods. The poor girl thought, ''I can no longer stay here. I will go and look for my brothers.'' And when night came she ran away and went straight into the woods. She walked the whole night long without stopping, and the next day as well, until she was too tired to walk any further. Then she saw a hunter's hut and went inside. She found a room with six little beds, but she did not dare to get into one of them. Instead she crawled under one of them and lay down on the hard ground where she intended to spend the night. The sun was about to go down when she heard a rushing sound and saw six swans fly in through the window. Landing on the floor, they blew on one another, and blew all their feathers off. Then their swan-skins came off just like shirts. The girl looked at them and recognized her brothers. She was happy and crawled out from beneath the bed. The brothers were no less happy to see their little sister, but their happiness did not last long. ''You cannot stay here,'' they said to her. ''This is a robbers' den. If they come home and find you, they will murder you.'' ''Can't you protect me?'' asked the little sister. ''No,'' they answered. ''We can take off our swan-skins for only a quarter hour each evening. Only during that time do we have our human forms. After that we are again transformed into swans.'' Crying, the little sister said, ''Can you not be redeemed?'' ''Alas, no,'' they answered. ''The conditions are too difficult. You would not be allowed to speak or to laugh for six years, and in that time you would have to sew together six little shirts from asters for us. And if a single word were to come from your mouth, all your work would be lost.'' After the brothers had said this, the quarter hour was over, and they flew out the window again as swans. Nevertheless, the girl firmly resolved to redeem her brothers, even if it should cost her her life. She left the hunter's hut, went to the middle of the woods, seated herself in a tree, and there spent the night. The next morning she went out and gathered asters and began to sew. She could not speak with anyone, and she had no desire to laugh. She sat there, looking only at her work. After she had already spent a long time there it happened that the king of the land was hunting in these woods. His huntsmen came to the tree where the girl was sitting. They called to her, saying, ''Who are you?'' But she did not answer. ''Come down to us,'' they said. ''We will not harm you.'' She only shook her head. When they pressed her further with questions, she threw her golden necklace down to them, thinking that this would satisfy them. But they did not stop, so she then threw her belt down to them, and when this did not help, her garters, and then -- one thing at a time -- everything that she had on and could do without, until finally she had nothing left but her shift. The huntsmen, however, not letting themselves be dissuaded, climbed the tree, lifted the girl down, and took her to the king. The king asked, ''Who are you? What are you doing in that tree?'' But she did not answer. He asked her in every language that he knew, but she remained as speechless as a fish. Because she was so beautiful, the king's heart was touched, and he fell deeply in love with her. He put his cloak around her, lifted her onto his horse in front of himself, and took her to his castle. There he had her dressed in rich garments, and she glistened in her beauty like bright daylight, but no one could get a word from her. At the table he seated her by his side, and her modest manners and courtesy pleased him so much that he said, ''My desire is to marry her, and no one else in the world.'' A few days later they were married. Now the king had a wicked mother who was dissatisfied with this marriage and spoke ill of the young queen. ''Who knows,'' she said, ''where the girl who cannot speak comes from? She is not worthy of a king.'' A year later, after the queen had brought her first child into the world, the old woman took it away from her while she was asleep, and smeared her mouth with blood. Then she went to the king and accused her of being a cannibal. The king could not believe this, and would not allow anyone to harm her. She, however, sat the whole time sewing on the shirts, and caring for nothing else. The next time, when she again gave birth to a beautiful boy, the deceitful mother-in-law did the same thing again, but the king could not bring himself to believe her accusations. He said, ''She is too pious and good to do anything like that. If she were not speechless, and if she could defend herself, her innocence would come to light.'' But when the old woman stole away a newly born child for the third time, and accused the queen, who did not defend herself with a single word, the king had no choice but to bring her to justice, and she was sentenced to die by fire. When the day came for the sentence to be carried out, it was also the last day of the six years during which she had not been permitted to speak or to laugh, and she had thus delivered her dear brothers from the magic curse. The six shirts were finished. Only the left sleeve of the last one was missing. When she was led to the stake, she laid the shirts on her arm. Standing there, as the fire was about to be lighted, she looked around, and six swans came flying through the air. Seeing that their redemption was near, her heart leapt with joy. The swans rushed towards her, swooping down so that she could throw the shirts over them. As soon as the shirts touched them their swan-skins fell off, and her brothers stood before her in their own bodies, vigorous and handsome. However, the youngest was missing his left arm. In its place he had a swan's wing. They embraced and kissed one another. Then the queen went to the king, who was greatly moved, and she began to speak, saying, ''Dearest husband, now I may speak and reveal to you that I am innocent, and falsely accused.'' Then she told him of the treachery of the old woman who had taken away their three children and hidden them. Then to the king's great joy they were brought forth. As a punishment, the wicked mother-in-law was tied to the stake and burned to ashes. But the king and the queen with her six brothers lived many long years in happiness and peace.

'Thumbelina' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 5-7 layers of crystal clear lacquer. The tallest doll is signed by the artist. Each painting displays a scene from the famous H. C. Andersen fairy tale ''Thumbelina''. You may read the full tale below. LITTLE TINY or THUMBELINA by Hans Christian Andersen There was once a woman who wished very much to have a little child, but she could not obtain her wish. At last she went to a fairy, and said, ''I should so very much like to have a little child; can you tell me where I can find one?'' ''Oh, that can be easily managed,'' said the fairy. ''Here is a barleycorn of a different kind to those which grow in the farmer's fields, and which the chickens eat; put it into a flower-pot, and see what will happen.'' ''Thank you,'' said the woman, and she gave the fairy twelve shillings, which was the price of the barleycorn. Then she went home and planted it, and immediately there grew up a large handsome flower, something like a tulip in appearance, but with its leaves tightly closed as if it were still a bud. ''It is a beautiful flower,'' said the woman, and she kissed the red and golden-colored leaves, and while she did so the flower opened, and she could see that it was a real tulip. Within the flower, upon the green velvet stamens, sat a very delicate and graceful little maiden. She was scarcely half as long as a thumb, and they gave her the name of ''Thumbelina,'' or Tiny, because she was so small. A walnut-shell, elegantly polished, served her for a cradle; her bed was formed of blue violet-leaves, with a rose-leaf for a counterpane. Here she slept at night, but during the day she amused herself on a table, where the woman had placed a plateful of water. Round this plate were wreaths of flowers with their stems in the water, and upon it floated a large tulip-leaf, which served Tiny for a boat. Here the little maiden sat and rowed herself from side to side, with two oars made of white horse-hair. It really was a very pretty sight. Tiny could, also, sing so softly and sweetly that nothing like her singing had ever before been heard. One night, while she lay in her pretty bed, a large, ugly, wet toad crept through a broken pane of glass in the window, and leaped right upon the table where Tiny lay sleeping under her rose-leaf quilt. ''What a pretty little wife this would make for my son, said the toad, and she took up the walnut-shell in which little Tiny lay asleep, and jumped through the window with it into the garden. In the swampy margin of a broad stream in the garden lived the toad, with her son. He was uglier even than his mother, and when he saw the pretty little maiden in her elegant bed, he could only cry, ''Croak, croak, croak.'' ''Don't speak so loud, or she will wake,'' said the toad, ''and then she might run away, for she is as light as swan's down. We will place her on one of the water-lily leaves out in the stream; it will be like an island to her, she is so light and small, and then she cannot escape; and, while she is away, we will make haste and prepare the state-room under the marsh, in which you are to live when you are married.'' Far out in the stream grew a number of water-lilies, with broad green leaves, which seemed to float on the top of the water. The largest of these leaves appeared farther off than the rest, and the old toad swam out to it with the walnut-shell, in which little Tiny lay still asleep. The tiny little creature woke very early in the morning, and began to cry bitterly when she found where she was, for she could see nothing but water on every side of the large green leaf, and no way of reaching the land. Meanwhile the old toad was very busy under the marsh, decking her room with rushes and wild yellow flowers, to make it look pretty for her new daughter-in-law. Then she swam out with her ugly son to the leaf on which she had placed poor little Tiny. She wanted to fetch the pretty bed, that she might put it in the bridal chamber to be ready for her. The old toad bowed low to her in the water, and said, ''Here is my son, he will be your husband, and you will live happily in the marsh by the stream.'' ''Croak, croak, croak,'' was all her son could say for himself; so the toad took up the elegant little bed, and swam away with it, leaving Tiny all alone on the green leaf, where she sat and wept. She could not bear to think of living with the old toad, and having her ugly son for a husband. The little fishes, who swam about in the water beneath, had seen the toad, and heard what she said, so they lifted their heads above the water to look at the little maiden. As soon as they caught sight of her, they saw she was very pretty, and it made them very sorry to think that she must go and live with the ugly toads. ''No, it must never be!'' so they assembled together in the water, round the green stalk which held the leaf on which the little maiden stood, and gnawed it away at the root with their teeth. Then the leaf floated down the stream, carrying Tiny far away out of reach of land. Tiny sailed past many towns, and the little birds in the bushes saw her, and sang, ''What a lovely little creature;'' so the leaf swam away with her farther and farther, till it brought her to other lands. A graceful little white butterfly constantly fluttered round her, and at last alighted on the leaf. Tiny pleased him, and she was glad of it, for now the toad could not possibly reach her, and the country through which she sailed was beautiful, and the sun shone upon the water, till it glittered like liquid gold. She took off her girdle and tied one end of it round the butterfly, and the other end of the ribbon she fastened to the leaf, which now glided on much faster than ever, taking little Tiny with it as she stood. Presently a large cockchafer flew by; the moment he caught sight of her, he seized her round her delicate waist with his claws, and flew with her into a tree. The green leaf floated away on the brook, and the butterfly flew with it, for he was fastened to it, and could not get away. Oh, how frightened little Tiny felt when the cockchafer flew with her to the tree! But especially was she sorry for the beautiful white butterfly which she had fastened to the leaf, for if he could not free himself he would die of hunger. But the cockchafer did not trouble himself at all about the matter. He seated himself by her side on a large green leaf, gave her some honey from the flowers to eat, and told her she was very pretty, though not in the least like a cockchafer. After a time, all the cockchafers turned up their feelers, and said, ''She has only two legs! how ugly that looks.'' ''She has no feelers,'' said another. ''Her waist is quite slim. Pooh! she is like a human being.'' ''Oh! she is ugly,'' said all the lady cockchafers, although Tiny was very pretty. Then the cockchafer who had run away with her, believed all the others when they said she was ugly, and would have nothing more to say to her, and told her she might go where she liked. Then he flew down with her from the tree, and placed her on a daisy, and she wept at the thought that she was so ugly that even the cockchafers would have nothing to say to her. And all the while she was really the loveliest creature that one could imagine, and as tender and delicate as a beautiful rose-leaf. During the whole summer poor little Tiny lived quite alone in the wide forest. She wove herself a bed with blades of grass, and hung it up under a broad leaf, to protect herself from the rain. She sucked the honey from the flowers for food, and drank the dew from their leaves every morning. So passed away the summer and the autumn, and then came the winter,- the long, cold winter. All the birds who had sung to her so sweetly were flown away, and the trees and the flowers had withered. The large clover leaf under the shelter of which she had lived, was now rolled together and shrivelled up, nothing remained but a yellow withered stalk. She felt dreadfully cold, for her clothes were torn, and she was herself so frail and delicate, that poor little Tiny was nearly frozen to death. It began to snow too; and the snow-flakes, as they fell upon her, were like a whole shovelful falling upon one of us, for we are tall, but she was only an inch high. Then she wrapped herself up in a dry leaf, but it cracked in the middle and could not keep her warm, and she shivered with cold. Near the wood in which she had been living lay a corn-field, but the corn had been cut a long time; nothing remained but the bare dry stubble standing up out of the frozen ground. It was to her like struggling through a large wood. Oh! how she shivered with the cold. She came at last to the door of a field-mouse, who had a little den under the corn-stubble. There dwelt the field-mouse in warmth and comfort, with a whole roomful of corn, a kitchen, and a beautiful dining room. Poor little Tiny stood before the door just like a little beggar girl, and begged for a small piece of barley-corn, for she had been without a morsel to eat for two days. ''You poor little creature,'' said the field-mouse, who was really a good old field-mouse, ''come into my warm room and dine with me.'' She was very pleased with Tiny, so she said, ''You are quite welcome to stay with me all the winter, if you like; but you must keep my rooms clean and neat, and tell me stories, for I shall like to hear them very much.'' And Tiny did all the field-mouse asked her, and found herself very comfortable. ''We shall have a visitor soon,'' said the field-mouse one day; ''my neighbor pays me a visit once a week. He is better off than I am; he has large rooms, and wears a beautiful black velvet coat. If you could only have him for a husband, you would be well provided for indeed. But he is blind, so you must tell him some of your prettiest stories. But Tiny did not feel at all interested about this neighbor, for he was a mole. However, he came and paid his visit dressed in his black velvet coat. ''He is very rich and learned, and his house is twenty times larger than mine,'' said the field-mouse. He was rich and learned, no doubt, but he always spoke slightingly of the sun and the pretty flowers, because he had never seen them. Tiny was obliged to sing to him, ''Lady-bird, lady-bird, fly away home,'' and many other pretty songs. And the mole fell in love with her because she had such a sweet voice; but he said nothing yet, for he was very cautious. A short time before, the mole had dug a long passage under the earth, which led from the dwelling of the field-mouse to his own, and here she had permission to walk with Tiny whenever she liked. But he warned them not to be alarmed at the sight of a dead bird which lay in the passage. It was a perfect bird, with a beak and feathers, and could not have been dead long, and was lying just where the mole had made his passage. The mole took a piece of phosphorescent wood in his mouth, and it glittered like fire in the dark; then he went before them to light them through the long, dark passage. When they came to the spot where lay the dead bird, the mole pushed his broad nose through the ceiling, the earth gave way, so that there was a large hole, and the daylight shone into the passage. In the middle of the floor lay a dead swallow, his beautiful wings pulled close to his sides, his feet and his head drawn up under his feathers; the poor bird had evidently died of the cold. It made little Tiny very sad to see it, she did so love the little birds; all the summer they had sung and twittered for her so beautifully. But the mole pushed it aside with his crooked legs, and said, ''He will sing no more now. How miserable it must be to be born a little bird! I am thankful that none of my children will ever be birds, for they can do nothing but cry, 'Tweet, tweet,' and always die of hunger in the winter.'' ''Yes, you may well say that, as a clever man!'' exclaimed the field-mouse, ''What is the use of his twittering, for when winter comes he must either starve or be frozen to death. Still birds are very high bred.'' Tiny said nothing; but when the two others had turned their backs on the bird, she stooped down and stroked aside the soft feathers which covered the head, and kissed the closed eyelids. ''Perhaps this was the one who sang to me so sweetly in the summer,'' she said; ''and how much pleasure it gave me, you dear, pretty bird.'' The mole now stopped up the hole through which the daylight shone, and then accompanied the lady home. But during the night Tiny could not sleep; so she got out of bed and wove a large, beautiful carpet of hay; then she carried it to the dead bird, and spread it over him; with some down from the flowers which she had found in the field-mouse's room. It was as soft as wool, and she spread some of it on each side of the bird, so that he might lie warmly in the cold earth. ''Farewell, you pretty little bird,'' said she, ''farewell; thank you for your delightful singing during the summer, when all the trees were green, and the warm sun shone upon us. Then she laid her head on the bird's breast, but she was alarmed immediately, for it seemed as if something inside the bird went ''thump, thump.'' It was the bird's heart; he was not really dead, only benumbed with the cold, and the warmth had restored him to life. In autumn, all the swallows fly away into warm countries, but if one happens to linger, the cold seizes it, it becomes frozen, and falls down as if dead; it remains where it fell, and the cold snow covers it. Tiny trembled very much; she was quite frightened, for the bird was large, a great deal larger than herself, - she was only an inch high. But she took courage, laid the wool more thickly over the poor swallow, and then took a leaf which she had used for her own counterpane, and laid it over the head of the poor bird. The next morning she again stole out to see him. He was alive but very weak; he could only open his eyes for a moment to look at Tiny, who stood by holding a piece of decayed wood in her hand, for she had no other lantern. ''Thank you, pretty little maiden,'' said the sick swallow; ''I have been so nicely warmed, that I shall soon regain my strength, and be able to fly about again in the warm sunshine.'' ''Oh,'' said she, ''it is cold out of doors now; it snows and freezes. Stay in your warm bed; I will take care of you.'' Then she brought the swallow some water in a flower-leaf, and after he had drank, he told her that he had wounded one of his wings in a thorn-bush, and could not fly as fast as the others, who were soon far away on their journey to warm countries. Then at last he had fallen to the earth, and could remember no more, nor how he came to be where she had found him. The whole winter the swallow remained underground, and Tiny nursed him with care and love. Neither the mole nor the field-mouse knew anything about it, for they did not like swallows. Very soon the spring time came, and the sun warmed the earth. Then the swallow bade farewell to Tiny, and she opened the hole in the ceiling which the mole had made. The sun shone in upon them so beautifully, that the swallow asked her if she would go with him; she could sit on his back, he said, and he would fly away with her into the green woods. But Tiny knew it would make the field-mouse very grieved if she left her in that manner, so she said, ''No, I cannot.'' ''Farewell, then, farewell, you good, pretty little maiden,'' said the swallow; and he flew out into the sunshine. Tiny looked after him, and the tears rose in her eyes. She was very fond of the poor swallow. ''Tweet, tweet,'' sang the bird, as he flew out into the green woods, and Tiny felt very sad. She was not allowed to go out into the warm sunshine. The corn which had been sown in the field over the house of the field-mouse had grown up high into the air, and formed a thick wood to Tiny, who was only an inch in height. ''You are going to be married, Tiny,'' said the field-mouse. ''My neighbor has asked for you. What good fortune for a poor child like you. Now we will prepare your wedding clothes. They must be both woollen and linen. Nothing must be wanting when you are the mole's wife.'' Tiny had to turn the spindle, and the field-mouse hired four spiders, who were to weave day and night. Every evening the mole visited her, and was continually speaking of the time when the summer would be over. Then he would keep his wedding-day with Tiny; but now the heat of the sun was so great that it burned the earth, and made it quite hard, like a stone. As soon, as the summer was over, the wedding should take place. But Tiny was not at all pleased; for she did not like the tiresome mole. Every morning when the sun rose, and every evening when it went down, she would creep out at the door, and as the wind blew aside the ears of corn, so that she could see the blue sky, she thought how beautiful and bright it seemed out there, and wished so much to see her dear swallow again. But he never returned; for by this time he had flown far away into the lovely green forest. When autumn arrived, Tiny had her outfit quite ready; and the field-mouse said to her, ''In four weeks the wedding must take place.'' Then Tiny wept, and said she would not marry the disagreeable mole. ''Nonsense,'' replied the field-mouse. ''Now don't be obstinate, or I shall bite you with my white teeth. He is a very handsome mole; the queen herself does not wear more beautiful velvets and furs. His kitchen and cellars are quite full. You ought to be very thankful for such good fortune.'' So the wedding-day was fixed, on which the mole was to fetch Tiny away to live with him, deep under the earth, and never again to see the warm sun, because he did not like it. The poor child was very unhappy at the thought of saying farewell to the beautiful sun, and as the field-mouse had given her permission to stand at the door, she went to look at it once more. ''Farewell bright sun,'' she cried, stretching out her arm towards it; and then she walked a short distance from the house; for the corn had been cut, and only the dry stubble remained in the fields. ''Farewell, farewell,'' she repeated, twining her arm round a little red flower that grew just by her side. ''Greet the little swallow from me, if you should see him again.'' ''Tweet, tweet,'' sounded over her head suddenly. She looked up, and there was the swallow himself flying close by. As soon as he spied Tiny, he was delighted; and then she told him how unwilling she felt to marry the ugly mole, and to live always beneath the earth, and never to see the bright sun any more. And as she told him she wept. ''Cold winter is coming,'' said the swallow, ''and I am going to fly away into warmer countries. Will you go with me? You can sit on my back, and fasten yourself on with your sash. Then we can fly away from the ugly mole and his gloomy rooms,- far away, over the mountains, into warmer countries, where the sun shines more brightly- than here; where it is always summer, and the flowers bloom in greater beauty. Fly now with me, dear little Tiny; you saved my life when I lay frozen in that dark passage.'' ''Yes, I will go with you,'' said Tiny; and she seated herself on the bird's back, with her feet on his outstretched wings, and tied her girdle to one of his strongest feathers. Then the swallow rose in the air, and flew over forest and over sea, high above the highest mountains, covered with eternal snow. Tiny would have been frozen in the cold air, but she crept under the bird's warm feathers, keeping her little head uncovered, so that she might admire the beautiful lands over which they passed. At length they reached the warm countries, where the sun shines brightly, and the sky seems so much higher above the earth. Here, on the hedges, and by the wayside, grew purple, green, and white grapes; lemons and oranges hung from trees in the woods; and the air was fragrant with myrtles and orange blossoms. Beautiful children ran along the country lanes, playing with large gay butterflies; and as the swallow flew farther and farther, every place appeared still more lovely. At last they came to a blue lake, and by the side of it, shaded by trees of the deepest green, stood a palace of dazzling white marble, built in the olden times. Vines clustered round its lofty pillars, and at the top were many swallows' nests, and one of these was the home of the swallow who carried Tiny. ''This is my house,'' said the swallow; ''but it would not do for you to live there- you would not be comfortable. You must choose for yourself one of those lovely flowers, and I will put you down upon it, and then you shall have everything that you can wish to make you happy.'' ''That will be delightful,'' she said, and clapped her little hands for joy. A large marble pillar lay on the ground, which, in falling, had been broken into three pieces. Between these pieces grew the most beautiful large white flowers; so the swallow flew down with Tiny, and placed her on one of the broad leaves. But how surprised she was to see in the middle of the flower, a tiny little man, as white and transparent as if he had been made of crystal! He had a gold crown on his head, and delicate wings at his shoulders, and was not much larger than Tiny herself. He was the angel of the flower; for a tiny man and a tiny woman dwell in every flower; and this was the king of them all. ''Oh, how beautiful he is!'' whispered Tiny to the swallow. The little prince was at first quite frightened at the bird, who was like a giant, compared to such a delicate little creature as himself; but when he saw Tiny, he was delighted, and thought her the prettiest little maiden he had ever seen. He took the gold crown from his head, and placed it on hers, and asked her name, and if she would be his wife, and queen over all the flowers. This certainly was a very different sort of husband to the son of a toad, or the mole, with my black velvet and fur; so she said, ''Yes,'' to the handsome prince. Then all the flowers opened, and out of each came a little lady or a tiny lord, all so pretty it was quite a pleasure to look at them. Each of them brought Tiny a present; but the best gift was a pair of beautiful wings, which had belonged to a large white fly and they fastened them to Tiny's shoulders, so that she might fly from flower to flower. Then there was much rejoicing, and the little swallow who sat above them, in his nest, was asked to sing a wedding song, which he did as well as he could; but in his heart he felt sad for he was very fond of Tiny, and would have liked never to part from her again. ''You must not be called Tiny any more,'' said the spirit of the flowers to her. ''It is an ugly name, and you are so very pretty. We will call you Maia.'' ''Farewell, farewell,'' said the swallow, with a heavy heart as he left the warm countries to fly back into Denmark. There he had a nest over the window of a house in which dwelt the writer of fairy tales. The swallow sang, ''Tweet, tweet,'' and from his song came the whole story.

'Village Ladies' $6.63 height: 3' (7.5 cm)

'White-Stone Cathedral' $43.58 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist.

'Winter' (set 1) $45.08 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying gorgeous Russian winter girls. The tallest doll is signed by artist.

'Winter' (set 2) $52.6 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful scenes of traditional Russian winter. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Winter Birds & Animals' (set 1) $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautifully painted winter birds and animals. The tallest doll is signed by artist.

'Winter Birds & Animals' (set 2) $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautifully painted winter birds and animals. The tallest doll is signed by artist.

'Winter Birds' (set 1) $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful Russian winter birds. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Winter Birds' (set 2) $64.62 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful Russian winter birds. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Winter Cuties' $52.6 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful ''winter cuties'', inhabitants of Russian winter forests. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Winter Fun' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful scenes of traditional Russian winter. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Winter in the Village' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful scenes of traditional Russian winter. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Winter Moonlit Night' $42.07 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful scenes of traditional Russian winter. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Winter Night' $43.58 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful scenes of traditional Russian winter. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Winter the Beautiful' $66.13 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful scenes of traditional Russian winter. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Winter Twilight' $82.66 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful scenes of traditional Russian winter. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

'Winter Village Life' $60.11 Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days  As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, displaying beautiful scenes of traditional Russian winter. The tallest doll is signed by the artist.

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