"Suddenly the whole orchard was ablaze with light, as if the sun had risen at midnight. It was the Firebird. The Firebird had come, with wings that shone like gold and eyes that gleamed like crystal. She perched in the tree, and began to pluck the apples with her beak of glowing amber. Prince Ivan tried to seize her. He moved as stealthily as he could, but the Firebird was quicker than him, and flew out of his grasp, leaving just one tail-feather behind in the prince's hand."

From Prince Ivan and the Firebird, re-told by Cherry Gilchrist
Barefoot Books 1994

The Firebird is the magical bird of light, who appears in a number of Russian fairy tales and legends. Even just a feather from her tail is enough to light up a whole room. In this story, the young prince cannot rest until he begins his journey to search for the Firebird. She initiates the quest and inspires the artist. There is a tradition that where one feather from her tail falls to earth, so a new artistic tradition is born. Many Russian Lacquer Miniature artists use the image of the Firebird to symbolise their vocation, and their aspiration to brilliance and beauty.

You can find the Firebird featured in some of the miniatures on this website.

Firebird Russian Arts aspires to present some of the finest lacquer miniatures created in Russia at the present time. The Firebird represents the passion and inspiration that is found in these exquisite and unique works of art.