Hauntingly beautiful chromolithographic images by Ivan Biliban. 4to, measuring 32 by 26 cm, and 11 pp., featuring eight chromolithographs in addition to front cover and the rear cover vignette. Three of the chromos within are full page, with a third close to being so. In addition, there is the chromo decorative borders, very much a part of the integral whole. This work is part of a series of indigenous fairy tales the Russian government commissioned Bilibin to illustrate. To do so Bilibin paid meticulous care to actual traditional costume, architecture and decor. The work cemented Bilibin's renown, which was also built on stage design. The front cover is soiled and toned in the margins, and then within there is some scattered soiling.