The Art of the Russian Matryoshka (Hardcover)

by Rett Ertl (Author), Rick Hibberd (Author) "MATRYOSHKA DOLLS are a relatively new phenomenon in the context of Russian history..." (more)
Key Phrases: painting matryoshki, tall collection, first matryoshka, Sergiev Posad, Vicki Miller, Art Alliance (more...)

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

...unique...Recommended for all comprehensive decorative arts and Russian culture collections. -- Library Journal<br /><br />...unique...Recommended for all comprehensive decorative arts and Russian culture collections. -- Library Journal<br /><br />...unique...Recommended for all comprehensive decorative arts and Russian culture collections. -- Library Journal<br /><br />...unique...Recommended for all comprehensive decorative arts and Russian culture collections. -- Library Journal<br /><br />...unique...Recommended for all comprehensive decorative arts and Russian culture collections. -- Library Journal<br /><br />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<br /><br />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<br /><br />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<br /><br />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<br /><br />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

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: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #515,958 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #19 in

  Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Regional > Russia

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 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 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 5 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

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!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive with heart and soul, September 6, 2003

By	Merryl Pringle (Australia) - See all my reviews

It is correct to call this book a definitive history of Matryoshki, but that is not all it is. I would classify it as a genealogy, whereby Rett Ertl cleverly gives the historical skeleton, but clothes his history with the soul of the people and the artists. The illustrations ae superb, the setting out a joy, and the paper and presentation an experience in itself. The chapter on a number of the current artists allows the reader to learn more of this genealogy, and understand more fully the Art of the Russian Matryoshka.