Show all images on one page	#005682 Title: Geese Battles. Suzdal Artist: Zaitseva Nataliya Size: 20.5x14x4 Size (inches): 8x5.5x1.5 Price : $1650 SOLD!

This heavenly piece of exquisite Russian artistry was composed by Natalya Zaitseva from the village of Mstera. The box shows a festive occasion in the old Russian town of Suzdal that is called "Geese Battles".
"Geese Battles" is one of the oldest Russian feasts that takes place in February in the territory of Suzdal Museum of Wooden Architecture. Participants of this competition come to Suzdal from different Russian towns to win a prestigious prize "The Big Goose". Goose is a proud bird and it won't battle for no particular reason. In spring geese fell in love like people and a goose chooses a bride to preserve its posterity. So geese battle for a bride and this battle continues from fifteen minutes to an hour. When the first blood appears the battle is finished and the birds don't kill each other.
Blue tones of tempera paints help the artist to show that the action takes place in winter and bright brown, red, and orange tones are used to create a festive atmosphere. The scene painted on the box's lid is framed with very beautiful patterns painted in light blue tempera paints and detailed in brilliant gold paint. These patterns resemble frost patterns on a window. The same patterns can be found decorating the box's sides. On each of the box's sides these patterns are completed with the images of different Suzdal monasteries, churches and cathedrals painted in tempera paints.
The box is constructed from paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the box while red lacquer completes the interior of the work. The lid is hinged from the top of the scene, and the box rests on four rounded legs. The work is signed with the artist's name , Mstera and the title (Suzdal. Geese Battles). This inscription is written in gold and completed with intricate gold filigree design.