Show all images on one page	#001699 Title: Mistress of the Copper Mountain Artist: Ovchinnikova Ludmila Size: 25x22x5 Size (inches): 10x8.5x2 Price : $550 SOLD!

Charm. Expression. Elegance. Leonid Ovchinnikov used these as key elements in the creation of this impressive work. It is a presentation of a moment. It is always a pleasure to observe the work of an artist that puts everything they have into the piece. A fine example of Mstera artistry.
This beautiful box depicts the scene of the "Malachite Casket" story from the "The Mistress of Copper Mountain" Ural Mountain series by Pavel Bazhov. This tale covers the lives of two people and one ethereal being. Danilo and Katya are a married couple that get separated when Danilo goes on a quest to obtain the skill of making the perfect carved flower out of stone. His bumping into the Mistress of Copper Mountain is no coincidence when he enters the Copper Mountain, and there she shows him the art he is so desperate to learn. After years of practice, he loses track of time and since the mistress enjoys his presence she does not remind him of his earthly obligations. When Katya decides to find her husband the mistress feels Katya's love for Danilo getting closer, which ultimately leads her to the mountain. When Danilo realizes that he has been in the mountain for so long he leaves with Katya, whom he loves so much.
The majority of the composition concerns itself with the inside of the Copper Mountain. Here, we see Danilo making the stone flower for the Mistress of Copper Mountain. In the upper right hand corner of the composition Katya sets out in search of Danilo.
The scene is painted against the blue background. The palette is diverse; it ranges from yellows and browns to reds, blues and greens. The detailing within the rock formations is something special. The clothing that the Mistress wears is painted in gold. It glows like priceless treasure newly discovered. Brilliant gold and aluminum paints make up the ethereal shine around the stone flower that is also painted in gold and aluminum. Gold paint can also be seen as highlights for treasures kept in the caskets and some other elements of the composition. Visually addicting.
The composition is personality. Each character is extremely well designed. Their facial features and their clothing have been expertly achieved. The folds, jeweled accents and the designs patterned upon the attire is an artistic blessing from the artist. The setting is equally magical.
The box is constructed from paper-mache made in the village of Mstera. The exterior of the box except the bottom of the box is covered with bright blue tempera paints, the bottom of the box is covered with black lacquer and the interior is traditionally red. The composition is decorated with elegant gold and aluminum patterns as well as the sides of the box. The edges of the lid are adorned with a thick gold line.
A hinge has been fastened to the left of the composition and the box rests on four legs. The titled, the word 'Mstera' and the artist's signature can be found just under the composition. Beautifully done by a very collectible artist.