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The Story of Creating the Mirror based on 'The Tale of Ivan Tsarevich, the Firebird and the Gray Wolf'

· HHDI

Creating the Mirror

It all started with me visiting an art exhibition — in the days before mobile phones. I was particularly struck by a work in the vytynanka style: a peacock with a spread tail, cut from white paper.

Mirror based on the Firebird Tale — finished work

Search for the Ideal

Much later, when the internet appeared, I searched for peacock images. I reviewed everything I could find — yet nothing matched what I had seen.

The most remarkable thing: I found a very similar peacock image on my own computer — downloaded long ago, somehow always overlooked. The bird seemed to elude me — or was waiting for its hour.

The Legend of the Firebird

The Firebird is a symbol of fire, luck and immortality. It feeds on golden apples that grant youth. Its song is said to have healing powers.

Technical Details

  • Dimensions: 980 × 970 mm, mirror diameter: 585 mm
  • Material: Birch plywood 4 mm + mirror glass
  • Technique: Laser cutting with hand-finishing

Creation Gallery

Creation stage 1 Creation stage 2 Creation stage 3

Dedication to the Mirror

Shine, my mirror, shine bright,
Bring the fairy tale to life!
See: among the golden boughs,
Among apples and the shadows,
A brave lad is hiding there —
Valiant Ivan, bold and fair.

From the basket watching keen,
His heart thirsts for a quest:
To catch fortune by the tail,
To grow wiser, to prevail!
A moment — he seized the feather bright,
What luck, what a delight!

Gaze into the glass — and then
The fiery light won't fade again.
The mirror holds a secret dear:
Whoever sees truth's light so clear,
Masters their own destiny,
Will succeed in all, you'll see!

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