Nesting Dolls Appraisal

Russian Nesting Dolls (Matryoshka Dolls) - Set of Three

This lot consists of three Russian nesting dolls, also known as Matryoshka dolls, displaying a sequential size reduction. The dolls appear to be crafted from wood, a traditional material for these items, and are hand-painted with vibrant colors. The largest doll, likely the 'mother' doll, features a bright pink headscarf and a traditional Russian dress in shades of red, black, and blue, with notable white accents. Her facial features are delicately painted with large eyes and a calm expression. She is depicted holding what appears to be a floral or decorative pattern on her chest. The second largest doll maintains the pink headscarf theme but features a more ornate bodice, possibly depicting a bustier or stylized garment, in red and black, again with white detailing. The smallest doll is distinctively Yellow with a pink base and simpler, possibly stylized, facial features and a minimal design, suggesting it is the innermost doll. A ruler placed alongside the dolls indicates the largest doll is approximately 5-6 inches tall, and the entire set, when placed side-by-side, spans about 6 inches. The craftsmanship appears to be folk art quality, with hand-painting evident in the slight variations and brushstrokes. There are no obvious signs of significant damage like cracks or chips visible from the provided images, though detailed wear and tear on the paint or wood cannot be fully assessed without closer inspection. The glossy finish suggests a protective lacquer layer, common for these dolls. The design style suggests a traditional Russian aesthetic, likely from the late 20th or early 21st century. No discernible maker's marks or signatures are visible in the provided image.