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

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

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, hand-engraved niello, gilding (rose gold accents)
• Special feature: Rose gold accents on cheeks and lips
• Ornamentation: Zonal structure — headscarf, shoulders, apron, skirt, base
• Apron: Floral medallion with a bouquet motif and gold-plated accents
• Dimensions: H 345 × Ø 195 mm
• Weight: approx. 1,819 g (silver Matryoshka only, excluding wooden base)
• Presentation: Wooden presentation base
• Collection: Nielloa

Material and craftsmanship

The Matryoshka's face is engraved in niello: eyes with fine lashes, a delicate nose, a gentle smile. Rose gold on the cheeks and lips transforms the engraving into a lifelike portrait — the warm gold tones lend human warmth to the cool silver. The headscarf is densely covered in floral niello ornamentation; geometric bands separate the body's zones, each with its own pattern: meander, zigzag, rows of dots, as found on traditional Russian textiles, translated here 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 a central focal point, a skirt with dense vine ornaments, and a wide niello band at the base that ties the ornamentation together. The niello technique behind this is one of the oldest silversmithing techniques in existence: a dark compound is fused into engraved lines, becoming a permanent part of the metal — ink in silver that becomes more contrasted with every polish rather than wearing away.

The Matryoshka itself is Russia's best-known symbol: a doll within a doll, nested inside one another — a symbol of hidden layers, of surprise, of the family contained within itself. This silver version stands at the pinnacle of this tradition, crafted at the SevChern manufactory in Veliky Ustyug.

Usage and occasions

On the mantelpiece, in a display case, in a place of honor — the Matryoshka transforms any room it occupies and invites one to pick it up. As a gift, it is suitable for occasions with high representative requirements: for a company anniversary, a special tribute, or as a gift for someone who carries Russia and its symbols in their heart. It also serves as a standalone art object for collectors of Russian silversmithing.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

An engraving is possible upon review, for example on the back or the wooden base. Tell us your request, and we will coordinate the implementation with the manufactory. Upon request, we will enclose a personal SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm) — individually designed, tailored to the occasion, and free of charge.

Care

Clean the Matryoshka exclusively with a soft, dry cloth. You should avoid silver polish and water, as the niello inlay and rose gold accents are sensitive to harsh cleaning agents. Keep the figure protected from dust, ideally under a glass display dome or in a protected exhibition spot.

Frequently asked questions

What is the rose gold on the cheeks?

A rose gold plating on the cheeks and lips of the Matryoshka — a warm gold tone that gives the face human warmth and transforms the piece from a purely ornamental work into a portrait.

How heavy is the Matryoshka?

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

Is an engraving possible?

Yes, upon review, for example on the back or the wooden base. Let us know your request, and we will check the implementation.

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