If you thought iconic Soviet design stopped at Sputniks, Lomos, and Kalashnikovs, you’re about to get old schooled. The brilliant, essential book Made in Russia: Unsung Icons of Soviet Design travels back to a time when objects were built for function and uniformity — tilting dolls never toppled, drinking glasses fit exactly a third of a standard vodka bottle, and soda pop was available around every corner via communal vending fountains. Edited by Michael Idov and penned by expats, this insightful little tome is brimming with cultural heritage, humor, and pure design porn. Have a good read and a curious gawk in this slide show of some of our favorites. And please, hold the Yakov Smirnoff jokes.
This classic Soviet toy was designed to stay upright via a mysterious, self-stabilizing mechanism held within its bright, bulbous belly. When titled by a child, Nevalashka (“One-that-won’t-lay-down”) would gently rock back, making a subdued ting-a-ling sound. Every time. Image Courtesy Michael Idov.
Comments (11)
these glasses are called “Estekan” (spelling)
Uhhh.. the Soviets did not invent string market bags. They’re common in Europe.
> The twelve-sided glass is a true masterpiece, holding exactly 250 grams
I can only assume you mean milliliters.
@Phyllis. Nope, grams.
Stakan (= glass)
and it holds half a bottle. standart bottle is half liter of vodka.
@Stalin
750 grams in the Soviet days, hence the expression “Третьим будешь?” or “Want to be the third?”
Even the colorful paper-packaged sugarcubes were really nifty.
@Marina
I was told that it was customary for a guy to stand on the side of the road with his hand up and one finger extended, as a sort of ‘come on’. Invariably, he was joined by a second guy and would then hold up two fingers. When a third guy joined them they then had enough to purchase a bottle of vodka. Paid for 3 ways and consumed 3 ways. ”hence the expression “Третьим будешь?” or “Want to be the third?”?
As for gaming the public fountain machines: there a story of an old woman who lived in Chicago back when people had coin operated gas metering/dispensing, for cooking, in their apartments. A guy from the gas company regularly collected the money. This old woman’s coin box was always empty. Apparently, he open the coin box one day and found water in the bottom. She had made a coin mold and would freeze water in it to game the system.
Growing up in ’80s India, I owned both a Nevalashka and a Misha doll. Thanks for reviving fond memories! :)
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