Soviet "Цветы" Matchbox Set, 10 Botanical Designs, 1960s–70s

A complete Soviet collectible matchbox set — ten small boxes, each printed with a botanical illustration of a different flower against a black ground, packaged in a large presentation box labeled Цветы. Flowers depicted include Роза, Цинния, Гацания, Мак, Лилия Тигровая, Гвоздика, Нарцисс, Виола, Амариллис, and Эхинокактус. The outer box carries a separate graphic design: stylized flat-color tulip and poppy in a vase, modernist and spare against black.

Soviet matchbox art was a genuine graphic design tradition — the state match monopoly produced millions of boxes as a de facto mass print medium, commissioning illustrators to produce everything from botanical series to space program commemoratives. The flower series sits in the botanical illustration tradition, each small label functioning as a miniature print. A complete boxed set with outer packaging intact is uncommon.

Fair to good vintage condition. Outer presentation box shows significant wear, scuffing, and edge damage. Inner matchboxes in good condition with vivid printed labels. Matches present in boxes.