Show all images on one page	#002357 Title: Tale of Tsar Saltan Artist: Shepotiev Size: 11x8.5x9 Size (inches): 4.5x3.5x3.5 Price : $795 SOLD!

This work is a creation of Shchepotiev from the village of Palekh. Its entire exterior except the bottom is covered with colorful paintings. They are based on the Pushkin's fairy-tales. The composition painted on the box's lid shows the feast arranged to celebrate the reunion of Tsar Saltan's family. The sides depict several scenes from "The Sleeping Princess" including Prince Yelisey asking the Sun and the Moon where he can find the Sleeping Princess; the Sleeping Princess standing inside the palace, and her sworn brothers, seven bogatyrs; Prince Yelisey and the Sleeping Princess returning to their native kingdom, and the happy tsar who meets them
Each of the scenes are 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 figures show the influence of icon art, with their stylized appearance and slightly elongated figures. Each of the characters has an individual look, with well-defined features and detailed costumes. The colorful drawings, with warm orange-red and bright cold greens and blues contrast each other nicely against the black background. The scenes are richly enhanced with gold and aluminum paints that add a rich brightness to the work.
The edges of the lid are decorated with gold beads completed with silver flowers. Gold and silver beads wrap around the bottom border of the box.
The box is constructed out of high-grade paper-mache. The lid isn't hinged, and the box stands on four round feet. The exterior of the piece is painted with black lacquer and interior is painted with red lacquer. The work is signed with the artist's name, the title, and the village of Palekh.