Show all images on one page	#001155 Title: Ruslan and The Head Artist: Morozov Andrey Size: 18x12.5x5 Price : $210 SOLD!

This attractive box by Alexander Morozov of Kholui depicts a scene from the fairy-tale "Ruslan and Ludmila" written by A.S. Pushkin. Connoisseurs of Kholui art are familiar with the name of Alexander Morozov, who is one of the major talents of the village. Morozov's works have been exhibited in numerous exhibitions and can be found in almost every book on Kholui lacquer miniatures. His unusual style makes him a standout among other Kholui artists.
The scene shows the thrilling moment of the story when Ruslan finds the giant's head and the bloody battle starts. The giant's head blows at Ruslan, creating a powerful gust of wind while Ruslan tries to thrust the head with his sharp spear. The mighty knight conquers the head and the subdued head promises to be obedient to Ruslan. Ruslan questions the head and finds out that his beloved bride Ludmila, who has been kidnapped, is the prisoner of the wicked sorcerer Chernomor. The head also tells him that all of Chernomor's magic power is contained in his bead. If someone decides to kill the sorcerer, he will have to cut off his long beard. With the help of these recommendations Ruslan manages to conquer Chernomor and return his bride.
The palette is as dynamic as the action depicted. Colors move as if they were alive. Motion has been captured within the swerve of the lines and shapes. Bright red, pink-orange, blue tones of the main scene against the black and dark blue background create the effect of a bloody fight lightened up with the moonlight in the darkness of a night. This contrast also helps to make the central figures stand out. Ruslan's armor is accentuated with glistering gold paint. Countless fine lines create the hairs of the beard and the horse's mane. The entire drawing is very well-drawn. The line movement, compositional structure, and brushwork combine to make this composition an aesthetic wonder.
The box is constructed from paper-mache made in the village of Kholuy. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the piece while red lacquer completes the interior of the work. A hinge is fastened to the top of the composition to be used for ease of opening. Precise and fine gold ornamentation accented with aluminum paint decorates the lid and wraps around the sides of the box. Upon completion of the piece the artist signs his name, the title and "Kholui" along the bottom of the composition in gold paint. The box rests on four small square legs.