Salt Shaker in the shape of Kurochka Ryaba. Tver, late 20th century. Painted wood. 3" in height. In very good condition.
Kurochka Ryaba (Курочка Ряба). The hen lays a golden egg for the old couple, who, in trying to break it open, are unsuccessful. A mouse runs past the egg and with a swipe of its tail, breaks it. The old couple are shattered by this development, but Ryaba tells them: "Don't be sad, I'll lay a new egg, not one of gold, but a simple white one." The story is at least 150 years old and there are versions in Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Serbia and many other other cultures, including Baltic and Slovak.
![Egg Dish with Hen Salt [Gzhel]](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-kgl10g/images/stencil/500x659/products/3439/31290/Gzhel_Egg_Plate_FV__35546.1611939382.jpg?c=2 "Egg Dish with Hen Salt [Gzhel]")