Show all images on one page	#007635 Title: Kikimora-the swamp spirit Artist: Maslov Vlad Size: 15x19x4.5 Size (inches): 6x7.5x1.75 Price : $1950 SOLD!

This festive Fedokino box is an original master work of Vlad Maslov. Vlad is enchanted with the Russian folklore, and likes to paint his works on the themes of Russian fairy-tales and legends. Forest spirits is his favorite theme to depict. He has created such brilliant works as "Baba-Yaga", "the Water Spirit", "the Wood Spirit", "Forest Man" and many others. This box continues Maslov's favorite theme and shows a spirit and a character of some Russian tales known as "kikimora".
Kikimora is a female house/swamp spirit in Slavic mythology, sometimes said to be married to the Domovoi. Kikimoras are said to be the spirits of unbaptized children or of aborted fetuses. In one legend, all of the kikimoras created by a woman's abortions come when the woman dies and take her soul to hell. She usually lives behind the stove or in the cellar of the house where she haunts. Kikimora can also be found in a swamp or a forest. Kikimora usually disturbs domestic animal and birds especially hens and chicken. She also comes out at night to spin. This box depicts the swamp kikimora walking over the beam laid by it's ends on the opposite sides of the swamp.
The box demonstrates Maslov's impeccable style. Blue and brown tones of oils predominate here. The most of the elements of the composition as the house, kikimora's costume and the plants are detailed with bright gold paint. Gold and silver powders are mixed with the oils to enrich to color palette. The composition is also decorated with shimmering green and blue spangles.
The sides are adorned with whimsical patterns and the tree's leaves. The box's exterior is covered with gold powder mixed with red, green and turquoise oils forming together a single pattern. On the lid's interior the artist has painted several fallen leaves.
The box is made out of paper-mache. The lid is hinged from the left of the scene, and the box rests flat. The interior of the box is covered with red lacquer. A square piece of mother-of-pearl is glued on the interior's lid ; on this piece Maslov has written his name and the title of the work ("Kikimora").