Show all images on one page	#008763 Title: At the Crossroad Artist: Morozov Alexander Size: 15x9x4 Size (inches): 6x3x1.5 Price : $199 SOLD!

This quit rare box is has been painted by Alexander Morozov of Kholui. Rare, because that was a period of time, when Kholui artists were working with oil-based paints. This subject (originally painted by Victor Vasnetsov in 1882) can be found in Russian State Museum of St.Petersburg and usually only Fedoskino artists who are working with oils were making such realistic paintings.
The subject is based on the Russian bylina "Three Trips of Ilya Muromets". Ancien Russian warrior Ilya Muromets reaches the crossroad and thinks what direction it is necessary to choose. If he chooses the road leading to the left he will be killed. If he chooses the road leading to the right he will be married. If he chooses the forward direction he will be rich. The bogatyr chooses the road leading to the left...
The composition is outlined with gold line. The edges of the lid are adorned with intricate gold patterns.
The box is constructed out of paper-mache. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the box. The lid is hinged from the top of the composition, and the box rests flat. The work is signed with the artist's name and Kholui.
The box is about 40-50 years old, used, has small cracks and scratches.