Palekh - - Gusli - Rusland (Ingen mindstepris)

Russiske Gusli, Sankt Petersborg – Håndmalet Troika Lakeret – 6 Læringsark – Spil “Katyusha” – Folke-episk Instrument

There are objects you simply own — and there are objects you experience.
This Russian gusli belongs firmly to the latter.
Rooted in centuries-old Slavic tradition, the gusli is one of the most iconic instruments of Russian epic folklore (byliny), historically associated with traveling storytellers and musicians. It is not just an instrument — it is a voice of narrative, memory, and cultural identity.
This example, produced in Saint Petersburg, transforms that tradition into a tactile, immediate experience.

A scene in motion – lacquer miniature:
The surface is richly decorated in the style of Russian lacquer miniature painting (Palekh / Mstera tradition).
At the center — a striking troika:
three horses in full motion, the driver guiding them forward with energy and control.
The composition is alive:
• sweeping lines suggesting speed and momentum
• figures dressed in traditional attire
• a stylized landscape that feels suspended between reality and folklore
Set against a deep black lacquer background, the gold ornamentation frames the scene like a theatrical stage — enhancing contrast, depth, and visual drama.
This is not static decoration — it is storytelling in motion.

Where this piece becomes exceptional:
Unlike most gusli offered on the market, this instrument includes a complete set of 6 interchangeable learning sheets.
This detail matters.
Placed beneath the strings, these sheets allow:
•IMMEDIATE play without musical training
• intuitive understanding of melody through visual guidance
• direct engagement with the instrument from the very first moment
Among the playable repertoire:
• the legendary “Katyusha” (M. Blanter)
• traditional and popular melodies
• European influences, including Italian-style songs
This transforms the object from collectible to interactive cultural experience.

Why collectors pause here:
Because this piece combines three rarely aligned qualities:
• Visual narrative (lacquer miniature, troika symbolism)
• Historical reference (gusli as an epic folk instrument)
• Functional immediacy (complete beginner-friendly system with 6 sheets)
Most examples offer only decoration.
Some offer sound.
Very few offer both — and even fewer make it accessible.

Condition:
Good condition with light signs of handling. Structurally stable. Strings and tuning elements intact.

Details:
• Instrument: Russian gusli (zither)
• Origin: Saint Petersburg, Russia
• Period: circa 1990–2010
• Materials: Wood, metal, lacquer, paint
• Decoration: Troika lacquer miniature
• Included: Full set of 6 learning sheets

Final note:
This is not an antique — but it is something more interesting:
a piece designed to transmit tradition.
Not behind glass.
But through your hands.

Shipping:
Secure packaging. Tracked delivery.