The first matryoshka, i.e. a toy consisting of several hollowed-out dolls of various sizes, was made in Japan, however, today wooden figures wearing folk costumes are a symbol of Russia. They are one of the most popular souvenirs imported from the homeland of Tolstoy, and increasingly also from other countries of Eastern Europe. A significant number of them is produced in China, but here and there you can still find hand-painted dolls, which are small works of art. Sometimes matryoshka dolls depict also well-known personalities from the world of politics, music and film.
