AllMovie

An inventive and touching drama about the life of folk artist Vano Khodzhabekov (Valdimir Kocarjan), this melancholy story is set at the turn of the century and begins with Vano trying to support himself by selling pots and pans. His wife is a harridan and he tends to shy away from her scolding tongue and quick temper. In his spare time, he stays in the store with his merchandise and doodles. Vano subsequently loses his job and travels with some lamp vendors for awhile, trying to avoid the inevitable confrontation with his wife. He strikes up a relationship with a lampmaker who encourages him to follow his own path (i.e., light his own lamp). Eventually, the talented artist comes into contact with paint and canvas, and his talent begins to find expression at last.