Show all images on one page	#001884 Title: The Legend of Piotr and Fevroniya Artist: Moshkovich Vladimir Kapelievich Size: 24.5x19x5 Size (inches): 9.75x7.5x1.75 Price : $920 SOLD!

The master responsible for this extraordinary piece of Russian artistry is well-known Mstera master Vladimir Moshkovich. His work is as well known as it is exceptional. Experienced elegance. Moshkovich has participated in many exhibitions, including the recent celebration of the 200-year anniversary of the birth of Alexander Pushkin. The master's work exudes personality and skill. It becomes immediately recognizable why Moshkovich pieces have been displayed in numerous museums throughout Russia. The craftsmanship, the execution, the patience. Memorable.
The box shows the famous Russian saints, Peotr and Fevronia, who were canonized in 1547. The legend connected with their names almost takes on a fairy tale like tone.
A Queen's palace is overthrown by her evil husband. Her husband takes on the form of a dragon. The husband's younger brother, Prince Peotr, goes to a sacred temple to retrieve the Sword of Agrik. With this sword he confronts the dragon and after a fierce struggle Peotr defeats the dragon and kills it. During the fight the dragons blood got on Peotr's skin and ulcers formed all over his body. Peotr is taken to the land Ryazan, which is famous for its healings. A maiden by the name of Fevroniya, who lives in Ryazan is a healer and has a pet rabbit, volunteers to help Peotr. She takes him to a banya and puts yeast over his wounds. Fevronia heals Peotr's wounds and he falls in love with her. Peotr sees that Fevronia is a kind-hearted and wise maiden, so he decides to marry her. After their wedding the couple has a reception at which people and animals party together and flowers start to bloom and butterflies fly all around. However, the Boyars of Murom do not like the prince's choice of his new bride and the newlyweds decide to leave the city. They travel down the Oka River for a full day and stop for to rest on an embankment. Here Fevronia performs a miracle. She blesses the trees, which had their branches chopped off for firewood, and in the morning the trees grew back their branches and were blossoming. Back in Murom riots started and many noble people were being murdered. The Boyars begged for Peotr's return and along with him they asked for Fevronia to rule the land with him. The couple ruled the land with great justice and between them there was great loved. When they got old they both fell asleep one day and were given to the Lord as they passed away together. The day of their death is celebrated in Russia; it is known as the Russian version of Catholic "St. Valentin's Day".
The edges of the lid are decorated with gorgeous gold and aluminum floral patterns supplemented with four additional miniatures featuring Fevronia painting an icon; Peotr riding a steed; Peotr killing the dragon; and the teller of Russian legends who plays his gusli and sings songs about ancient times and its heros.
The box is constructed out of high-grade paper-mache. The lid is hinged on top and the box stands on four feet. The exterior of the piece is painted with black lacquer and interior is painted with red lacquer. The artist wrote his name, the title and the village name of Mstera along the bottom of the composition in gold paint.