Show all images on one page	#001991 Title: Nikita the Tanner Artist: Gryaznov Size: 11.5x7.5x2 Size (inches): 4.5x3x0.75 Price : $225 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 sits flat. Gorgeous golden scrollwork flows around the composition as the framing for the scene. Bright aluminum beads accentuate the four corners of this design. The similar ornamentation can be found on the box's sides (except the rear side decorated with gold beads). The edges of the lid are decorated with gold beads. The work is signed and titled by the artist. The similar inscription can be found on the lid's interior, only there the artist added that this work is his own original creation.