russian dolls HOME SHOP ABOUT HISTORY CONTACT

Nevalyashka Dolls

Vanka-Vstanka (the boy) and Nevalyashka (the girl) are traditional toys for children, which for several generations of Soviet people also happened to be their first ever toy. I also had one as a child growing up in the former USSR and can still remember my orange coloured Vanka-Vstanka with his kind face and bright artwork.

The reason they are so popular as first toys is because they are bright and attractive for children with a safe and comforting shape, even for small babies. Playing with a Nevalyashka doll develops colour understanding, coordination and hearing. Babies absolutely love them, as once dropped, without any help these toys always stand up.

The famous “Vanka-Vstanka” and “Nevalyashka” also originated from Matryoshka with the very first Nevalyashka dolls made of paper and wood material in 1958 science research institute of toys in Sergiev Posad. The toy was made using a new hot-pressure technology devised by Ivan Moshkin. They were putting metal loads inside of the toy which would not allow it to fall down but always stand up in a vertical position.

Vanka-Vstanka, which in Russian means “Stand up, Vanya”, was symbolising one of the main features of our national character - firmness, resistance and the ability to survive in all circumstances. This traditional toy was teaching children from early age to never give up and stand up after each fall, always look for love, light and recreation.

nevalyashka dolls