Russian Dolls

You know those little wooden dolls that get smaller as they fit inside each other? Can anyone tell me how many Rubbles they are please?

Many thanks.

There is a hugely wide variation depending on size and quality. Some of the rougher ones cost $10, but there are very delicate ones that are clearly of fine craftsmanship that sell for several hundred dollars. The ones I saw in the outside stalls weren't of very good quality. There were some really well-crafted ones in the gift shop on our ship though.

But if you were getting it for a child's gift, the less expensive ones would be fine.

Be careful, some are made in China - and they look like it too. You'll pay more for the "real" ones. Price depends on how many dolls, wood used, and how detailed the painting is. The large ones go for hundreds. "Good" souvenier ones are $10-$20.

Thanks for your help. I only want a couple for keepsakes. Thanks!

They are more expensive than you would imagine. We bought a set of 5 from vendors at Peterhof for $20 not very good quality, but pretty and good value for small gifts.

Take care with the ones sold outside. They may have an atractive price, but they usually get broken. Wood is used to stay outside in the cold weather. Once brough home with the heating they stretch and get cracks

The ship gift shop will likely have a stock of genuine dolls put out while you are in St. Petersburg. Beware those being sold outside some of the attractions.

Good "Matrioska" (doll's name) must be created from one wood.. most Matrioskas who sale at tourist stores are created with chipboard..

for check this, open Matrioska, get smaller from the inside and look at the bottom of the big one... must look contiguous with wood veins..

good Matrioskas (12-15cm height) cost over 50$ and antiques over 500$:D

Good "Matrioska" (doll's name) must be created from one wood.. most Matrioskas who sale at tourist stores are created with chipboard..

 

for check this, open Matrioska, get smaller from the inside and look at the bottom of the big one... must look contiguous with wood veins..

 

good Matrioskas (12-15cm height) cost over 50$ and antiques over 500$:D

That helps. Many thanks for your advice. :D