USSR 1969. "Russian Folk Tales by I. Bilibin" mini sheet, 12 stamps/labels, MNH OG
A complete mini sheet (collector's sheet) issued by the USSR Post in 1969, from the famous series "Russian Folk Tales illustrated by I. Ya. Bilibin".
A striking example of Soviet philately featuring superb color printing and beautifully decorated sheet margins (in the signature "Bilibin" style with gold accents).
· Sheet Dimensions: Height — 20 cm, width — 18.5 cm.
· Sheet Composition: 12 postage stamps (5 kopecks denomination). Complete series.
· Subjects: Top Row: "The Frog Princess" (Title Page to the Tale, arrows against a background of a bow). "The Frog Princess" (Ivan Tsarevich meets a frog in the swamp). "The Feather of Finist Yasna-Falcon" (The Father Talks to Maryushka). "Vasilisa the Beautiful" (Rider Day on a White Horse). Middle Row: "The Tale of Ivan Tsarevich, the Firebird, and the Gray Wolf" (Title Page of the Series). "The Tale of Ivan Tsarevich, the Firebird, and the Gray Wolf" (Ivan Tsarevich Catches the Firebird by the Tail). "The Tale of Ivan Tsarevich, the Firebird, and the Gray Wolf" (Ivan Tsarevich carries Elena the Beautiful away on the Gray Wolf). "Marya Morevna" (Ivan Tsarevich at the walls of Marya Morevna's palace). Bottom Row: "Vasilisa the Beautiful" (The opening credits to the tale depict the birds Sirin and Alkonost). "Marya Morevna" (Ivan Tsarevich and Koschei the Deathless on horseback). "Vasilisa the Beautiful" (Baba Yaga rides through the forest in a mortar). "Vasilisa the Beautiful" (Vasilisa the Beautiful, carrying a glowing skull on a pole, leaves Baba Yaga).
· Condition: MNH OG (Mint Never Hinged, Original Gum. Clean, pristine reverse side with no hinge marks or disturbance). Perforation is completely intact.
