Shop assistant Natalya Butova holds a chocolate portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin in a chocolate shop in Moscow, Friday, Nov. 21, 2003. The portrait is made out of a 1.5 kilogram slab of solid white chocolate and various types of chocolate have been painted on top to make a realistic portrait. The cost of the portrait made by chocolate-makers Konfael is about $700. [AP]

The sweeter side of President Vladimir Putin has gone on display in Moscow: a portrait of the Russian leader entirely in chocolate.

Luxury chocolate-maker Konfael created the edible portrait of Putin on a 3.3-pound slab of white chocolate. Other kinds of chocolate flesh out the likeness — while strawberry juice colors his lips and blueberry juice shades his tie.

The chocolate-makers say the chocolate Putin is a work of art, and they are pricing it at $700. Only two have been created.

"I would regret eating such a portrait," said a shopper, who only gave her first name, Lisa.

Konfael employees said the portraits are attracting attention but no buyers so far. And the clock is ticking — in a year, the chocolate will turn stale.

The chocolate portrait is just the latest homage to Putin, who has already been flattered in books and songs. His face is plastered on T-shirts, posters and matryoshka nesting dolls — most of which can be bought for under $10 at souvenir stalls around the country.

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