Show all images on one page	#001209 Title: Falconer Artist: Strunin Mikhail Size: 17.5x12.5x3 Price : $275 SOLD!

This beautiful piece of authentic Russian craftsmanship was created by Mikhail Strunin from the village of Mstera. Mikhail is the son-in-law of Lev Fomichov, one of the most famous artists Mstera has ever produced. Strunin's wife is also an artist and they live and paint in a large wooden house together. Lev makes his own paints from rock pigments that he finds in the forest, which he mixes with his chicken's egg yolks. The talent that resides in the Fomichov/Strunin household makes them a very influential group in the Mstera community that sets the standard for Mstera artists.
The composition depicts two falconers holding falcons in their hand, and intending to let them fly up high into the sky. Falconer is a post in the household of Grand Princes. Falconers had to supply game to the tsar's court and got some benefits therefore. In the background we can see the beautiful panorama of the Moscow Kremlin. In the middle of the composition there is the Belfry of Ivan the Great. To the left from it we have the five-dome Assumption Cathedral and the Archangel Cathedral, whereas to its right we can see the Annunciation Cathedral and the St. Basil's Cathedral. The red-brick wall and several towers of the Moscow Kremlin border the composition.
A bold palette filled with bright tones covers the entire area of the composition. Gold is used to add the intricate details that bring portions of this composition to life. Every element of the architecture in the scene exudes precision. Each line has its place and there is nothing that is overdone or underdrawn.
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. Gold ornamentation, with a floral pattern, frames the scene and wraps around the sides of the box. The box has a hinge above the composition and rests on a flat bottom. Itis signed with the artist's name, village, and title. Attractive, traditional Mstera work!