Figurine - Zeldzame Politieke 'Auteurs-Matroesjka' (5) – Vanya Fryazin – Moskou, 1990 (5) - Limewood

Rare Political 'Author's Matryoshka' (5) – Vanya Fryazin – Moscow, 1990

A historically extremely interesting and high-quality collectible: a 5-piece wooden Matryoshka set (nesting dolls), handcrafted and hand-painted by the individual Russian artist Vanya Fryazin (Ваня Фрязин) in Moscow, 1990.

This lot is fully hand-signed at the bottom of the largest doll, located (Москва) and precisely dated (1990). Because the set was made in 1990, the object comes directly from the turbulent late days of the Soviet Union (the Perestroika period), just before the final dissolution of the USSR in December 1991.

Unique artistic and historical value:
This is a so-called 'Author's Matryoshka'. This means the dolls were not mass-produced in a factory, but are the unique handiwork of an individual artist who, at the time, benefited from the new economic freedoms under Gorbachev. These dolls were painted in small editions and sold directly to Western tourists and diplomats at emerging informal markets such as Arbat Street in Moscow.

The political satire is unusually bold for 1990: the rising political challenger Boris Yeltsin is depicted here as the largest doll (fitted with the double-headed eagle emblem), with the sitting Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev nestled inside. The series moves in reverse chronological order back to the Cold War and excels in detail and strong caricatures.

The dolls from large to small:

1. Boris Yeltsin: First President of the Russian Federation. Depicted with the double-headed eagle emblem on the chest.

2. Mikhail Gorbachev: The last Soviet leader, equipped with his iconic wine stain.

3. Yuri Andropov: Former General Secretary and long-time head of the KGB (the letters KGB and the shield-and-sword logo are clearly visible).

4. Leonid Brezhnev: Characterized by his distinctive heavy eyebrows and a chest full of Soviet military decorations.

5. Nikita Khrushchev: The smallest doll shows Khrushchev with a round face in a traditionally embroidered Ukrainian shirt (vyshyvanka).

In very good vintage condition with minimal signs of aging. The colors are brightly preserved and the wood closes well. (See photos for an accurate personal impression).

Dimensions: approx. 20 x 9 x 9 cm.

A unique collectible for enthusiasts of political memorabilia, the Cold War, and Russian cultural history.

This lot will be packed and shipped with the utmost care.