Matryoshka No. 1 in 925 silver — niello, gilt, 1.819 g

Almost two kilograms of 925 sterling silver in the form of a Russian matryoshka — 345 millimeters high, completely covered in hand-engraved niello, with red gold on the cheeks and lips that bring the face to life. Every line engraved by hand, every ornamental band its own pattern, every zone of the body its own story. Standing on a wooden presentation base — ready for the display cabinet, the place of honor, the collection.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, hand-engraved niello, gilding (red gold accents)
• Special feature: Red gold accents on the cheeks and lips
• Ornament: Zonal structure — headscarf, shoulders, apron, skirt, base
• Apron: floral medallion with a bouquet motif and gilded accents
• Dimensions: H 345 × Ø 195 mm
• Weight: approx. 1,819 g (silver matryoshka only, without wooden base)
• Presentation: Wooden presentation base
• Collection: Nielloa

Material and craftsmanship

The face of the matryoshka is engraved in niello: eyes with fine eyelashes, a delicate nose, a gentle smile. Red gold on the cheeks and lips transforms the engraving into a living portrait — the warm gold tones give the cool silver a human warmth. The headscarf is densely covered with floral niello ornamentation, geometric bands separate the zones of the body, each with its own pattern: meander, zigzag, rows of dots, as found on traditional Russian textiles, here translated into silver and niello.

The body follows the classic matryoshka structure: shoulders with geometric borders like an embroidered collar, an apron with a large floral medallion and a bouquet motif as the central eye-catcher, a skirt with dense vine ornaments, and a wide niello band at the base that brings the ornamentation together. The niello technique behind it is one of the oldest silversmithing techniques of all: a dark mass is melted into engraved lines and thus becomes a permanent part of the metal — ink in silver, which becomes more contrasting with every polish, instead of wearing out.

The matryoshka itself is Russia's most famous symbol: a doll inside a doll, nested within each other — a symbol of hidden layers, of surprise, of the family that is inside one another. This silver edition stands at the top of this tradition, crafted in the SevChern workshop in Veliky Ustyug.

Use and occasions

On the mantelpiece, in the display cabinet, in a place of honor — the matryoshka transforms every room it stands in, and invites to be picked up. As a gift, it is suitable for occasions with a high representative demand: for a company anniversary, a special honor, or as a gift for someone who carries Russia and its symbols in their heart. Also as a collector's item for lovers of Russian silversmithing, it is a standalone work of art.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

An engraving is possible after inspection, for example on the back or on the wooden base. You add the engraving service flat rate directly to the cart with the matryoshka, after that we coordinate the implementation with the workshop; if the engraving is not possible, we refund the flat rate. Upon request, we include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm) — individually designed, matching the occasion, and free of charge.

Care

Clean the matryoshka exclusively with a soft, dry cloth. You should refrain from silver polish and water, as the niello inlay and red gold accents react sensitively to aggressive cleaning. Keep the figure dust-free, preferably under a display cabinet cover or in a protected exhibition location.

Frequently asked questions

What is the red gold on the cheeks?

A red gold gilding on the cheeks and lips of the matryoshka — a warm gold tone that gives the face human warmth and transforms the piece from pure ornamental work into a portrait.

How heavy is the matryoshka?

Approx. 1,819 grams for the silver matryoshka itself, without the wooden base — almost two kilograms of 925 sterling silver.

Is an engraving possible?

Yes, after inspection, for example on the back or on the wooden base. You add the flat rate directly to the cart, after that we check the implementation with you; if the engraving is not possible, we refund it.

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