Ethnographic dolls

The traditions of production of the Russian art doll, which were lost in the early 20th century, today, a hundred years later, are revived by our countrywoman, craftswoman Galina Maslennikova. She is one of the most famous Russian artists in dolls.

Galina Maslennikova comes from the famous dynasty of textile manufacturers Dumnovs. In the middle of the 19th century, one of the first in our region, Galina's great-grandfather Ivan Fadeevich Dumnov, established the production of silk velvet, plush and various silk fabrics (satin, plis, fay, etc.) in the village of Zarechye (Kirzhach district of the Vladimir region). The Dumnov family has a glorious history. They built the church of Kazan Mother of God in Zarechye, a hospital, and maintained a school at their own expense. In the family home the largest exhibition of Galina Maslennikova’s dolls settled down.

As a hundred years ago dolls are made by hand using only natural materials. With historical accuracy all puppet ethnographic costumes and puppet compositions from the life of the nineteenth-century Russian village are reproduced.

The high artistic level of the dolls allows G. Maslennikova to participate in many prestigious exhibitions in Moscow and abroad, to receive diplomas and awards. Her puppet compositions are in the museums of Moscow, as well as Japan, USA, Austria, France and Germany.

Thanks to the unusual colorfulness and originality, the dolls of G. Maslennikova are used for decoration of show-windows, interiors, and are simply bought as bright and original souvenirs and gifts for public holidays. In addition, these ethnographic dolls are an excellent educational material for children studying Russian folk culture.

Address: Vladimir region, Kirzhach district, Zarechye, Museum-Estate of the manufacturer S.I. Dumnov.
E-mail: info@galinadolls.com
Website: www.galinadolls.com

Author: V. Korolkova