Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf [Palekh]

Product Description

Tale of Ivan Tsarevich, the Princess Elena and the Gray Wolf (Сказка об Иване Царевиче и сером волке).  A climactic scene from the highly popular Russian fairy tale that tells of the quest for the Golden Firebird. It was originally collected by the Russian Slavist and ethnographer Alexander Afanasyev (1826-1871) in Narodnye Russkie Skazki (Народные Русские Сказки). A young and handsome Prince (Tsarevich) by the name of Ivan captures the desirable enchanted bird, which he keeps in a cage. Apparently, the bird has been accused of stealing magical golden apples from the Tsar's orchard. Ivan, the youngest of his sons, sets out on a magical journey that leads him toward a host of adventures with many protagonists and antagonists, including the horse with the golden mane, the golden bridle, and the beautiful Princess Elena, whose hand in marriage is coveted by many, but whose heart is ultimately won by...none other than Ivan.

Papier-mache, egg tempera paints, lacquer. Detailed decorative freehand scroll border in gold. Signed by the artist in gold and dated 1990. Approximately 4"x3"x1". 1 only, as shown.

The artist, Galina Michailovna Rybakina (Golubova) (Галина Михайловна Рыбакина (Голубова)) was born in 1957 in the village of Maidakovo, Palekhsky district, Ivanovo region (село Майдаково Палехсконо района Ивановской обл.) From 1972 to 1977, she studied at the Palekh Art School and subsequently was employed in the Palekh art-production workshops.

Note: White, cloudy areas in the photos are "hot spots" caused by studio lights reflected from off the shiny lacquer. The box is fine.

Learn more about Palekh here.