#004200 Title: Tale of Tsar Saltan Artist: Populov Yevgeniy Size: 18x3.5x2.5 Size (inches): 7x1.25x1 Price: $495

Yevgeniy Populov is the outstanding Palekh artist who created this elegant pencil case. The work is based on the popular Russian story entitled, "The Tale of Tsar Saltan." The left part of the composition depicts Prince Gvidon and his mother who by chance found themselves in the wondrous island. They had been slandered, and by the cruel order of Tsar Saltan they had been sealed into the barrel and thrown into the sea. Fortunately, the barrel was washed ashore, and soon Gvidon became the ruler of the rich island. A little above we can see the hawk hunting after the Princess Swan. The middle part of the composition shows Prince Gvidon and his mother welcoming Tsar Saltan who arrives to the island on board on his ship. Tsar Saltan's ship defended by the thirty-three Warriors of the Sea is painted in the right part of the composition.
Each of the scenes is well-done, in a traditional Palekh style. The drawing is quite fine, with small details in the characters' faces and costumes, some architecture and the landscape. The details are richly enhanced with gold and aluminum paints that add a rich brightness to the work. Gold and aluminum paints are also used to decorate the box's sides with a beautiful floral pattern.
The pencil case is constructed out of high-grade paper-mache. The exterior of the piece is painted with black lacquer and interior is painted with red lacquer. The lid is hinged from the top of the composition, and the piece rests on a flat bottom. The work is signed with the artist's name, Palekh and the title.