The Art of the Russian Matryoshka [Hardcover]

Rett Ertl (Author), Rick Hibberd (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2008

The book is the complete account of the history, production, varieties, and creators of the nesting doll that has become a symbol of Russian folk culture, if not Russia itself. Contributing to the history are commissioned studies from three of Russia's leading authorities on toys and folk art. The book includes 330 color plates, 200 of which are carefully selected examples of dolls. The examples include: historical dolls from museums in Russia; factory products made throughout the Soviet period in the villages of Sergiev Posad, Polkhovsky Maidan, Semyonov, Kirov, and Nolinsk; and artwork of independent artists, photographed in several of the artists' home-studios, in private collections, and in the inventory of importer-author Rett Ertl.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Anyone who's ever enjoyed seeing or playing with a series of wooden nesting dolls--matryoshki in Russian--will gravitate instinctively to Ertl and Hibberd's lavishly illustrated tome. In it, several myths are quickly debunked: first, that these dolls were born in the Motherland (they emigrated from Japan); and second, that all are made from a single piece of wood (actually, one linden tree trunk yields about four or five blanks). The authors continue to reveal the world of matryoshki, including designs, manufacturing, themes, production centers, artists, and purchase of this native toy. The color photographs alone are worth the price, aiding a true appreciation of the art, whether readers admire the elegantly decorated Cinderella dolls or a wonderfully comic Bill Clinton and "family." Includes a useful glossary of English and Russian terms. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

...unique...Recommended for all comprehensive decorative arts and Russian culture collections. -- Library Journal

Throughout, the volume is marvelously illustrated...This book is clearly a labor of love...it comes off masterfully... -- Russian Life, Sept-Oct 2003 –Paul Richardson

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Vernissage Press (October 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972502718
• ISBN-13: 978-0972502719
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #614,471 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique and distinctive artbook, November 13, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of the Russian Matryoshka (Hardcover)

The detailed and collaborative work of Rett Ertl and Rick Hibberd, The Art Of The Russian Matryoshka is a unique and distinctive artbook devoted to the classic Russian toy consisting of dolls that fit inside one another. 330 full-color photographs illustrate and showcase rare and vintage matryoshka, while the narrative text covers the history of this device as well as the steps of its creation today. The Art Of The Russian Matryoshka is especially recommended for toy collectors and a welcome contribution Russian Cultural Studies collections.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Russian Nesting Dolls Beautifully Explained, August 22, 2003

By 

Tanya T Fry (Frederick, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of the Russian Matryoshka (Hardcover)

This beautiful book is the most complete explaination of the art of Russian Nesting Dolls (Matryoshka) ever written. The history of the nesting doll is explained in detail with many beautiful photographs of dolls made long ago. The process of creating these wonderful dolls is thoroughly outlined and once again the photos show every aspect of their creation. The different geographical regions of the former Soviet Union and the different dolls produced there were also discussed. Individual artists were highlighted with their dolls as were many dolls from private collections. The different types of nesting dolls were described and pictured. The photographs were detailed and colorful and expertly showed the splendid artwork painted on each doll. This book is long overdue for all Matryoshka collectors. All others would also learn from and enjoy this wonderful book.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!, June 14, 2005

By 

Matryoshka Collector (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of the Russian Matryoshka (Hardcover)

As an avid collector of matryoshka dolls, I found this book covered it all! I especially enjoyed the pictures and explanation of the lathing and prepping of the blanks. And the techniques used to paint the dolls. This book is a must-have for every collector!