Three Russian Nesting Dolls in Red Scarves Rochard Limoges Box

Three Russian nesting dolls stand together in their red scarves, in the familiar matryoshka form that is so easy to recognize. Rochard made them as a hand-painted porcelain Limoges box in Limoges, France.

Dolls Within Dolls

Matryoshka dolls first appeared in Russia in the 1890s, carved from wood so that each doll opens to reveal a smaller one inside. They became a symbol of family, with mothers, daughters and granddaughters in a single set. This porcelain version keeps the red scarves, painted by hand so each trio is a little different.

Generations Together

Three dolls make a natural present for three generations of women, a mother of three daughters, or three sisters. It also suits a traveler back from Moscow or Saint Petersburg, a family with Eastern European roots, or a folk art collector. Set it on a shelf beside travel souvenirs, a kitchen hutch, or a dresser where its cheerful colors catch the light.

A World Folk Art Shelf

• A Rochard piece, hand-painted in Limoges, France
• Joins world landmark and folk costume subjects
• Fits a Russia, world travel or folk art collection