The wooden puzzle “Wedding in Petrykivka” is based on a hand-painted plate of the same name by Nataliia Rybak – Honored Folk Artist, and laureate of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine (2025). For over forty years, Nataliia has dedicated herself to the art of Petrykivka painting – a unique style of decorative art that originated in the village of Petrykivka in Ukraine, back in the mid-18th century and has been passed down from generation to generation through the painting of houses and household items. Natalia works at the Petrykivka Center of Folk Art, actively participates in exhibitions, workshops, and other events to promote Petrykivka painting both in Ukraine and abroad.


“The plate depicts a traditional Petrykivka wedding. The bride and groom ride in a small cart. The bride wears a floral wreath and holds a bouquet. The groom carries a dyven’ – a traditional wedding pastry. At the bottom, fish symbolize the underworld. The level with the newlyweds represents the human world. At the top, a flower rosette symbolizes the heavenly realm. The rim of the plate is dark green and features a pattern called a bihunets or endless runner. It symbolizes the eternal cycle of seasons in nature. It has a steady rhythm, with floral elements repeating periodically.” – Nataliia Rybak.