Soviet "Попугаи" Parrot Matchbox Set, 18 Species Portraits

A Soviet collectible matchbox set — 18 boxes, each printed with a close-up portrait of a different parrot species on white ground with green border. Species include Гиацинтовый ара, Голубой ара, Красный ара, Серый попугай Жако, Какаду Инка, Чёрный какаду, Волнистый попугайчик, Корелла, and more. The presentation box lid carries a painted cockatoo illustration; the inner lid shows a black parrot in a blue oval medallion. Produced by ПО "Плитспичпром" in Балабаново, Калужская область.

The Balabanova factory was one of the USSR's largest match producers and responsible for some of the most detailed collectible series — the parrot portraits here are more ambitious than typical Soviet matchbox art, functioning closer to natural history illustration than graphic design.

Good vintage condition. Outer presentation box shows wear and some delamination at corners. Inner matchboxes in good condition with vivid printed labels. All 18 boxes present with matches.