Show all images on one page	#002190 Title: Vasilisa the Beautiful Artist: Shirokov Anatoliy Size: 16.5x7.5x4 Size (inches): 6.5x3x1.5 Price : $450 SOLD!

This box painted by the famous Mstera artist Anatoly Shirokov depicts the scene, from the tale "Vasilisa the Beautiful. It depicts the moment of the tale when Vasilisa meets three riders: the Red Sun Rider, the Dark Night Rider, and the Bright Day Rider.

"Suddenly a horseman rides,
A horseman all in red,
His steed is red,
This is the Red Sun,
The red Sun
Is rising...

Most of the composition is painted in mustard tones, except the figures of the Red Rider and the girl painted in bright red tones. Gold paints are used to enhance the detail and to outline areas of the scene for added emphasis; for example gold is found in the depiction of the sun behind the Red Rider. The composition is extremely well executed. A distinct feeling of fantasy has been created here. This is a very complete work.
Tiny gold beads frame the scene, while the edges of the box are decorated with elaborate gold floral ornamentation. The same gold floral ornamentation wraps around the box's sides. In the middle of the box's front side there is a small miniature featuring the basket full of wild flowers.
The box is constructed from paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the piece while bright red lacquer completes the interior of the work. A hinge has been fastened to the top of the composition, and the box rests on a flat bottom. The work is signed with the artist's name, the village of Mstera and the title.