Show all images on one page	#007793 Title: Emelya or By the Pike's Will Artist: Molodkin Vladimir Size: 25x18.5x21 Size (inches): 9.75x7.25x8.25 Price : $4950 SOLD!

Emelya is an interesting character. Not in the sense of being a key player in a story, but he is just a character in the figurative sense. His simple view on life and his lazy disposition have always gotten him in trouble. But now with the power that has befallen him he can make the most of his days by simply saying, "By the pike's will, by my own request..." and whatever he said after those words would magically happen!
This large beautiful five-sided casket, painted by famous Mstera Master Vladimir Molodkin, showing us different scenes from the popular Russian fairy-tale "By the Pike's Will" or "Emelya and the Magic Pike". On the front side of the casket we can see the very beginning- Emelya went to the river to get some water in a bucket, but catch Magic Pike. On the left scene Emelya is going on the oven to the Tsar's palace (because it was cold outside). On the back side Emelya goes to the forest chop firewood sitting on the cart which drives by itself and on the right side an ax and a saw are cutting the chops without assistance of any human!
The Tsar is infuriated with Emelya's luck and power. He has also received numerous complaints from the kingdom's residents and the soldiers about to take Emelya away. However, when the Tsar's daughter steps in and falls in love with Emelya, the Tsar decides to spare him and let them marry, but after the wedding he puts them in a barrel, seals it, and throws it out to sea. Emelya uses his power to free himself and his wife. As they approached the palace Emelya requested that a palace be built opposite the Tsar's, and it happened. The couple, after receiving forgiveness and blessings from the Tsar, lived the rest of their days without a care in the world, all because of the magic pike. All of this is shown on the top of the casket.
Master Vladimir Moldkin of Mstera, who painted this piece, has a very distinct style that can immediately be recognized by the minute details and his color usage. The palette incorporates a myriad of bright paints from the cool and warm ends of the spectrum. He uses them in perfect harmony, alternating tones and hues in all the right places. Almost every element of the composition is abundantly detailed with gold paint!
The box is made out of paper-mache. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the box. Molodkin decorates the exterior with gold ornamentation and flower ornament can be found on the edges of the lid. The box has a hinge above the major scene on a lid and rests on four feet. The artist writes the title and his signature at the edge of the lid.The name of the work is signed over the gold and the name of the artist in blue colors below the floral ornament.