1970s Svyatogor the Giant (Святогор) by Artist N. Shakovah From Kholui

Details

Description

This hand-painted lacquer box depicts one of the most famous legends from the Byliny (East Slavic oral epic poems). The … Read more This hand-painted lacquer box depicts one of the most famous legends from the Byliny (East Slavic oral epic poems). The scene captures the encounter between the legendary giant hero Svyatogor and the younger bogatyr (warrior), often identified as Ilya Muromets.

The "Beriozka" (Березка) sticker inside the box is a significant detail. Beriozka stores were state-run shops in the Soviet Union that sold high-quality goods for foreign currency only. This suggests your box was likely purchased as a high-end export or souvenir between the 1960s and 1980s.

Size: the box is roughly 6 inches long and 3 inches wide.


The word "Kholui" (Холуй) identifies the specific school and village where the box was made. While similar to Palekh, Kholui artists are known for a more realistic, picturesque style with larger-scale figures.

The title written is "Svyatogor" (Святогор). This refers to a massive hero (bogatyr) from Russian epic legends, known for his titanic strength and dwelling in the "Holy Mountains".

The box is signed by Shakhova N. (Шахова Н.), a recognized artist from the Kholui school. See less