King Mirko, the lord of seven countries Vykort

This is an illustration of King Mirko, the lord of seven countries, being visited by an enchantress in the form of a black cat, This illustration comes from A csudafa (The Wonder Tree), published in Budapest in 1924. The book is a collection of Hungarian folk and fairy tales by Elek Benedek, one of Hungary’s most cherished storytellers. Drawing deeply from traditional folklore, the stories weave moral lessons with magical imagery and rural cultural roots. Though written for children, the tales carry enduring themes of kindness, ingenuity, resilience, and wonder, making them timeless for readers of all ages. The illustration was created by Álmos Jaschik (1885–1950), a Hungarian graphic artist, painter, and book illustrator celebrated for his ornate, atmospheric style. Influenced by Art Nouveau and early modern design, Jaschik’s work is marked by flowing lines, folkloric ornamentation, and a dreamlike sense of place. His visual language perfectly complements the mythic tone of A csudafa, securing its place as a classic of early 20th-century Central European fairy-tale art.