1960 Russian Letter "П" with Young Shepherd Boy

Vintage Postcard from Elizaveta Bem’s Azbuka Alphabet Book – Letter "П" with Young Shepherd Boy

This postcard reproduces a charming illustration from Elizaveta Bem’s celebrated Azbuka (alphabet book), showcasing the Cyrillic letter "П" (P). Above the image, the word "покой" (pokoy) is written, meaning “rest” or “peace.” The artwork depicts a young shepherd boy, capturing a serene moment that beautifully reflects traditional Russian life.

Elizaveta Bem created her Azbuka alphabet illustrations between 1911 and 1914 as part of educational art books in Imperial Russia. Each letter paired with a meaningful word and scene was designed to teach the Cyrillic alphabet while celebrating Russian culture, folklore, and everyday life.

Although the original illustrations date from the early 20th century, postcards reproducing Bem’s alphabet images were produced primarily in the mid-20th century and into the 1960s. This period saw renewed interest in Russian folk art and pre-revolutionary culture, making her work accessible to collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

Other letters from Bem’s Azbuka were also reproduced as postcards, allowing collectors to enjoy the full alphabet through evocative and beautifully detailed scenes. This postcard is a wonderful example of how art, education, and cultural heritage come together in a small but meaningful keepsake.

Ideal for collectors of vintage postcards, Russian art, or Cyrillic alphabets, this piece offers a unique glimpse into the cultural and artistic traditions of Imperial Russia and mid-century appreciation.

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