Limited edition with an extra suite . A graduate of the Moscow Academy, Zworykine found success early on in his career illustrating books with all the main publishing houses such as Knebel, Sytin, Mamontov, and Levenson. His style, which was influenced by Bilibin and the revival of traditional folk art was popular with the Imperial family and they invited him to paint the interior of the Fedorovsky Cathedral in Tsarskoe Selo. In 1921 Zworykine fled the Bolsheviks to France via Crimea, Turkey and Egypt. Despite leaving his homeland he continued to look to ancient Rus for inspiration. This luxurious publication displays a synthesis between Parisian book production and the vivid colours of Russian frescoes.

Limited edition, one of 145 examples on Japon Impérial, 4to (30.5 x 23.5 cm), text in French, translated by N.Andreieff, half-title, title, 76, [6] pp., with 20 colour plates and numerous vignettes in text and elaborate borders, polychrome gold and silver printing, with an extra suite in black in the original green paper chemise; original printed wrappers with gilt detail and publisher's slipcase, slipcase slightly worn and faded but otherwise a mint copy.