Show all images on one page	#007404 Title: Sivka-Burka Artist: Veselov Mikhail Size: 10x5 Size (inches): 4x2 Price : $950 SOLD!

IMPORTANT NOTE: this box was displayed on Expo in the All-Russia Museum of Folk and Applied art in Moscow devoted to the 80th anniversary of Kholui Art. The Expo was opened on the 12th of November and took a place till the 6th of December 2014.

Mikhail Veselov of Kholui is the master who painted this box. He is a talented artist whose style is enhanced by the ultra-thin brushwork he manages to render. There are a few artists who have the ability to make the smallest strokes of paint come to life, and he is in this handful of famous Kholui names. This work is no exception.
The large box shows several episodes from the Russian folk fairy-tale "Sivka-Burka". It tells about the adventures of the youngest of three brothers, Ivan the Simpleton. For his courage and easy temper, his father presented him the magic horse, Sivka-Burka that was ready to serve Ivan. With the help of Sivka-Burka's magic powers, Ivan managed to jump to the highest tower in the king's palace, where the king's daughter was standing, and take the ring she was holding. This made him the victor in a contest, and for performing this feat he was allowed to marry the tsar's daughter.
The upper part of the composition we can see Ivan and his magic horse, Sivka-Burka. Sivka-Burka with Ivan sitting on his back, giving a magnificent leap, high up into the air. The magic horse reaches the balcony where the princess stands and Ivan has time to take her ring and even to kiss her. The tsar and all people of the kingdom open their mouths with amazement. Ivan is a winner, and now the princess must marry him.
The composition is painted in the unique Veselov's style. Gold paint is used to enhance the already intricate detailing and bring out the true power of the palette. Here the artist has managed to find place for more than twelve human figures, complex medieval architecture and detailed landscape that proves his talent of a skilled lacquer miniature painter!
Gold and silver beads frame around the lid's artistry. The box sides are decorated with intricate gold and silver floral ornamentation accompanied by a string of gold and silver beads. The box is made out of paper-mache. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the box. The box is not hinged , and rests on three legs. Veselov has written the title, Kholui, 2012, and his name at the bottom of the composition. He has written the same on the interior of the lid, but added that this work is an artistic original.