Show all images on one page	#002740 Title: The First Russian Expedition to Japan Artist: Molodkin Nikolay Size: 24.5x18.5x4.5 Size (inches): 9.5x7.25x1.75 Price : $930 SOLD!

This grandiose work has been painted by Nikolay Molodkin. He is the youngest in the family of renowned Mstera artists. His father, Vladimir Molodkin, has made a big name for himself, not only in Mstera, but in all of Russia. His brothers, Denis and Daniil, are also the talented and very popular artists. This work proves that Nikolay is as talented as his relatives, and has his peculiar painting style.
The historical event of the first Russian expedition to Japan has been chosen as a theme for this work.
In 1852 the Russian government organized the first Russian expedition to Japan. The expedition was under the command of Admiral Yevfimy Vasilyevich Putyatin (1803-1883). The result of this expedition is the signing of a commercial treaty between Russia and Japan in 1855.
There is also an interesting fact that in 1883 Putyatin made a demonstration of a steam engine on his ship "The Pallada", which led to Japan's first manufacture of a steam engine the same year under the direction of Hisashige Tanaka.
The scene is painted in usual palette for all Nikolay Molodkin's works. It includes reds, blues, greens, and various shades of brown. The brushwork is exquisite, which is enhanced by the bright gold detailing the artist adds.
The composition is outlined with gold. The edges of the lid are adorned with a detailed gold leafy pattern. The box's sides are decorated with a nice gold and aluminum pattern of original design.
The box is constructed from paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the piece while red lacquer completes its interior. A hinge is fastened to the top of the composition for ease of opening. The box rests on four feet. On the lid's interior Molodkin painted a small scene within a square, and within this square he also has written the title ("The First Russian Expedition to Japan"), his name, Mstera, and the year of 2006. He also has written Mstera and his name at the bottom of the composition.