The Nesting dolls
No art form is as synonymous with Russia as the traditional "Matreshka" or "nested doll". Even though this popular artistic expression is now made in no fewer than 16 countries, it is generally agreed that the finest Matreshka in the world are made in Russia, and G.DeBrekht Artistic Studios is recognized as the foremost maker of this famous examples of traditional folk art.

The Matreshka had its origins in the villages of Russia many generations ago, when grandfathers carved the oval, oblong doll from a single block of wood, then carefully made each smaller doll from the core of the larger doll.

The number of dolls and amount of details in a Matreshka measures its value, since each doll must be individually crafted and hand painted. Doll sets can be as few as two or three, up to 10, 30 or more. The finest multi-doll sets are often found in museums and rare folk art collections. The infinitely fine brush strokes and layers of watercolors and/or acrylics combine to create a breathtakingly beautiful Russian nested doll set. Some sets are so intricately painted that an artist working a month or more to complete the set.

For centuries, the Matreshka has portrayed Russia through its village culture. Now, the finest examples of this heritage are found as part of Russia Collection by G.DeBrekht Artistic Studios.

The Holiday Surprise ornament-dolls Collection
In addition to very popular "traditional" nesting dolls styles, G.DeBrekht has designed other popular styles or wooden dolls - ornament-dolls. Open the beautiful doll and surprise - inside is an array of authentic, hand-carved and hand painted ornaments. Ranging in size and depicting many different scenes, this ornament-dolls is a combination of the traditional work of art and practical way to display or present hand-crafted ornaments.

The Ornament Collection
The range of subjects in the Ornament Collection includes whimsical animals and traditional characters; religious figures, bells and Angels; Old World Santa and Snowmen figures, all crafted from aged linden wood. They are colorful, distinctive and original, because each is individually hand made. Because the Collection is crafted in the G.DeBrekht Studios in Russia, the designs are exclusive, as well.

The diverse and creative variety of ornaments that comprise the Ornament Collection by G.DeBrekht offer an ornament that is sure to be the right gift, the cherished collectible and a perfect addition to a Holiday tree.

The Heritage Collection
The fine art of lacquer miniature painting was brought to Russia in the late 1700's when a prominent Russian merchant saw the miniature snuffboxes that were being made in Germany. For hundreds of years, Russian artists had been painting remarkable miniature religious scenes on exquisite icons, so why not transfer the talent and skills to the popular - even functional - boxes.

So it was that in the tiny village of Fedoskino, the first papier mache boxes were made and the exquisite miniature scenes of village life, historic battles and beloved fairytales were exquisitely painted in meticulous miniature, using alternating layers of paints made from local pigments and clear lacquer.

Artists added mother of pearl and other precious metal accents to their creations, and the result was a true work of art. The magnificent lacquer art miniature painting was synonymous with art village Fedoskino until the 1917 Revolution let to many changes, including ban on icons and other religious paintings. The many talented artists and craftsmen looked for other ways to use their thousand year old skills and they turned to lacquer miniatures. Over the next ten years, the art villages of Kholui, Palekh and Mstera each developed their own distinctive style and gained renown as serious collectors added these beautiful miniatures to their collections.

G.DeBrekht Artistic Studios has selected some of the best miniatures to create the majestic scenes on boxes, pedestal eggs, hanging ornaments and decorative accessories found in the Heritage Miniatures Collection. Each one is painted with the same detail and workmanship that have made this traditional Russian art form so treasured throughout the world. This beautiful art form was utilized then the artists from our studios crafted ornaments from the lightest wood and decorated them using the same techniques of the lacquer box painting.

The Heritage Collection offers variety, beauty and high quality artistic expressions.

The variety of designs, offered by G.DeBrekht Artistic studios is majestic and by involving many different artists, specializing in very different craft techniques, the potential is unlimited.

We are certain that you will be able to find your favorite. At times you might find it difficult to choose only one item and will have to add another one to your collection.

One thing is certain - no matter that your choice, G.DeBrekht brings you thousand years of traditions in fine art, elegance and history, sweet nostalgic feeling of the past and beginning of the new, your own family traditions.