JULY 17, 2023 KATE MOTHES

“The Bears (polar bear, brown bear, panda, moon bear, and Misha)” (2014), linden, paint, and lacquer, 210 x 120 millimeters. All designs by Aamu Song / COMPANY, produced in Semenov, Russia. Images © Salakauppa

A saltwater food chain, a collection of vegetables, and an acorn maturing through its development stages are just a few of Helsinki-based studio COMPANY’s custom nesting dolls. The brainchild of Aamu Song and Johan Olin, COMPANY opened Salakauppa—sala means “secret” and kauppa means “shop” in Finnish—a little over 15 years ago to showcase a contemporary take on traditional matryoshkas. Using linden wood, which is soft and easily worked, each doll is designed by Song, then produced by expert craftspeople in Semenov, Russia, who meticulously turn the pieces on a lathe.

“Green Vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, artichoke, asparagus, cucumber, and green peas)” (2023), linden, paint, and lacquer, 120 x 180 millimeters

The decorative toys date back to the late 19th century when the first set was conceived by folk artist Sergey Malyutin with the assistance of a wood carver named Vasily Zvyozdochkin. The basic design consists of a set of pieces that decrease in size, fitting into one another, and traditionally depict a mother doll whose children, including a baby, fit inside. Song and Olin playfully reimagine the possibilities of matryoshka sets by portraying a diverse range of families, flora, and fauna, emphasizing the joy of discovery as each set is opened to reveal its inner dwellers.[…]

Onion matryoshka display in Salakauppa. Photo by Paavo Lehtonen

Aamu Song and Johan Olin in Sarakauppa. Photo by Paavo Lehtonen

More: Delightful Wooden Nesting Dolls by Salakauppa Playfully Reimagine Traditional Designs — Colossal