Sadko Fairy Tale Lacquer Brooch [Kholui]

Product Description

Sadko (Садко) is a poor musician from Novgorod whose talents go unappreciated by the rich merchants of the city. He strikes a Faustian bargain with Tsar Morskoi (King of the Sea), who helps Sadko find the magic golden fish in Lake Ilmen. By winning the bet, Sadko becomes rich, builds a big palace and marries the lovely Lubava. Unfortunately, Sadko ignores The Ocean Tsar who, while Sadko voyages over the sea, forces him to play his gusli for the Tsar, who dances in delight, but causes ships to sink. Sadko finally escapes the underwater kingdom and returns to the banks of Lake Ilmen where Lubava is waiting for him. 

Materials used are egg tempera paints, papier-mache, metallic powders and lacquer. Circa 1985. An accomplished Kholui painter (unsigned) using gold flecks liberally to enhance the painting. Glued pinback. 2¾" x 1¾". 1 only, as shown. Gift boxed.