June 16, 2022

The Fairy Tale of the Rich Prince and the Diligent Maiden - Illustrated by Vojtěch Kubašta

Not all fairy tale princesses need to call upon a fairy godmother for help. With elements from Rumpelstiltskin, this whimsical advertisement for Lada brand sewing machines demonstrates that engineering could be modern magic. This vintage ad is undated with illustrations by Vojtěch Kubašta (1914-1992).
The Fairy Tale of the Rich Prince and the Diligent Maiden 
Once upon a time there lived a prince. He did nothing all day but go hunting. One day, however, he and his companions lost their way in the deep forest.
The Fairy Tale of the Rich Prince and the Diligent Maiden Vojtěch Kubašta
After wandering about completely lost for a long time they at last came out into a clearing. There they found a tumble-down cottage and in it a diligent maiden named Lada. The young girl showed them the way out of the forest. Many days had passed but the prince could not forget the maiden.
The Fairy Tale of the Rich Prince and the Diligent Maiden Vojtěch Kubašta
He confided in his father the king and told him that he had fallen in love with a poor maiden and wished to make her his wife. The king, however, did not dare to decide and sent his son to ask the advice of the queen.
The Fairy Tale of the Rich Prince and the Diligent Maiden Vojtěch Kubašta
The queen had Lada brought before her and said to her: "You must deserve your good fortune. You can become the wife of the prince but only on condition that you do as I command."
The Fairy Tale of the Rich Prince and the Diligent Maiden Vojtěch Kubašta
The queen took Lada and her luggage into a hall which was filled from the floor to the ceiling with the most expensive fabrics. "You must use all of these for your trousseau and have it finished in three days."
The Fairy Tale of the Rich Prince and the Diligent Maiden Vojtěch Kubašta
Then the queen locked the door with seven locks and in addition placed guards outside. For three days and three nights all that was to be heard from the hall was the singing of diligent Lada and a gentle, mysterious humming sound...
The Fairy Tale of the Rich Prince and the Diligent Maiden Vojtěch Kubašta
To the surprise of the queen however, when on the third day she entered the hall, it was empty! Lada modestly pulled aside the curtains
The Fairy Tale of the Rich Prince and the Diligent Maiden Vojtěch Kubašta
and then all present saw many finished dresses, beautifully sewn and magnificently embroidered. Lada had fulfilled her task and the wedding festivities commenced.
The Fairy Tale of the Rich Prince and the Diligent Maiden Vojtěch Kubašta
For three days and three nights there was eating, drinking and merry-making. Only the queen was all out of humour until finally she asked Lada to tell her the secret of the magic which had enabled her to fulfill the task which had been given her.
The Fairy Tale of the Rich Prince and the Diligent Maiden Vojtěch Kubašta
"It's no magic--it's only my faithful companion, a perfect sewing machine," replied Lada. "It will serve anybody just as well as it serves me." How happy this made everyone! In honour of diligent Lada, they named the sewing machine after her--LADA!
The Fairy Tale of the Rich Prince and the Diligent Maiden Vojtěch Kubašta
Yes, the perfect LADA sewing machine can become your helper too for sewing, mending or embroidering and many other jobs.

No comments:

Post a Comment