Radical Russian Nesting Dolls by Designer Katya Malakhova.

Russian freelance graphic designer and photographer Katya Malakhova has designed a series of Modern Matryoshkas which combine items that at first seem contradictory.


above: Katya with her "Brain" matryoshka

Using imagery that one would think incompatible with the well-known Russian souvenir icon, Katya has turned medical organs, superheroes, Playmates and S&M Dominatrices into Nesting Dolls.



Her stylized Batman Matryoshka:


The Gene Mutation Russian Doll turns a Cheburashka into Mickey Mouse:

Corsets, lingerie and breasts decorate her Playmate Matryoshkas:

Swarovski Crystal Russian Nesting Dolls:


A special thanks to Collabcubed for bringing Katya's work to my attention.

See all of Katya's work at her website.

Matryoshka Madness (Or Babushka Bounty) Part 2 - Updated August 2009!

To jump to the newest additions as of August, 2009, please scroll about two thirds down of this post.

Just about a year ago, I did a very large post on the popularity of Russian Nesting Dolls aka Matryoshkas, Metroshkas, Babushkas, etc. Designer versions, hand painted artist versions, modern versions and their appearance on everything from textiles to jewelry.