Show all images on one page	#001326 Title: Dobrynya Nikitich and Alyosha Popovich Artist: Gryaznov Size: 13.5x9x4 Price : $280 SOLD!

This colorful box was painted by Gryaznov from the village of Kholui. It depicts two Russian bogatyrs, Dobrynya Nikitich and Alyosha Popovich, and their feats. The composition consists from several scenes showing how Dobrynya Nikitich and Alyosha Popovich fought with Tugarin Zmeevich that symbolizes the Tatar yoke, defending Kiev and the Prince Vladimir.
The palette is based on beautiful combinations of blue, red, brown and grey tones. The figures are drawn in a stylized manner reminiscent of icons, and as sometimes happened in icon art as well, several scenes are shown taking place on one composition. The characters are well-drawn, and each one has an individual look. The bogatyrs look suitably steadfast and heroic, and their horses are powerful steeds. Aluminum and gold paint is used to create the elaborate armor of the bogatyrs, and throughout the scene very fine strokes of gold and aluminum paint enhance the composition.
The edges of the lid and the box's sides are decorated with the beautiful and elaborate patterns painted in gold and aluminum. The box is constructed from paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the box while red lacquer completes the interior of the work. The lid is hinged from the top of the composition and the box rests on a flat bottom. Signed with the artist's name, the village (Kholui), the title ("Dobrynya Nikitich and Alyosha Popovich") at the bottom of composition. The same inscription can be found on the interior of the lid with the addition of the year (2004) and the confirmation that is the artist's creative work.