Show all images on one page	#001954 Title: Nikita the Tanner Artist: Gryaznov Mikhail Germanovich Size: 13x9x2.5 Size (inches): 5x3.5x1 Price : $325 SOLD!

This thoroughly attractive piece of genuine Russian artistry was created by the talented Gryaznov from the village of Kholuy. It is always a pleasure to explore the artistry of a miniature painter that is passionate about his work. This is pure animated brilliance that is as intriguing as it is beautiful.
The box shows a scene from the Russian folk fairy-tale "Nikita the Tanner". In this tale the Dragon steals the tsar's daughter. The tsar asks Nikita the Tanner to save his daughter, and the bogatyr sets out in search of the Dragon. When he finds its hole, the frightened Dragon asks to save its life and offers to share the world (one part of the world will belong to Nikita while another one will belong to the Dragon). Nikita agrees but adds that the boundary should be drawn to avoid any disputes. Then he takes plough, harnesses the Dragon and starts to plow the land, the sea and afterwards kills it.
The palette, for the most part, is very cool and subdued except for the figure of Nikita the Tanner. The Dragon and the sea are extremely well textured. There is motion in this water because of the layering in the currents and the alteration of colors between white, turquoise and blue. Gold and aluminum paints are used to add different details.
The box is constructed from paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the piece while light red lacquer completes the interior of the work. A hinge is fastened to the top of the composition and the box rests on four legs. Gold paint and aluminum paints are used to decorate the exterior of the box in the form of scrollwork. Two identical designs, one frames the scene and the other is on the sides, add a sense of formality and complement the painting. The work is signed and titled by the artist.