Show all images on one page	#003922 Title: Snowmaiden Artist: Tikhomirova Inna Size: 15x11x12 Size (inches): 6x4.25x4.75 Price : $950 SOLD!

This is a beautiful combination of compositional quality and a splendid array of elegant ornamentation. Inna Tikhomirova from the village of Mstera is the skill and imagination behind this colorful box. The box's lid and each of its sides show various scenes from the timeless Russian fairy tale of the "Snowmaiden." Adorably animated characters interact with each other among an elaborate display of superior decoration.
The lid depicts the old childless couple who encounters the Snowmaiden and decides to offer her to live in their family. The front side of the piece displays Father Frost as he says farewell to his daughter, the Snowmaiden, and her new mother. On the rear side of the box the old couple introduces their adopted, gorgeous child to the powerful Tsar who is stunned by her beauty. The left side shows Lel playing his flute and the Snowmaiden listening to him while on the right side the artist has drawn Mizgir mourning over his beloved Snowmaiden who is melting before his eyes.
The color scheme used by Tikhomirova is singularly appealing. Entrancing cornflower blue, soft white, a unique orange-pink and various greens dominate the artistry. Because of the contrast in light pastels and bolder more lively colors, Tikhomirova creates illusionary perspective in the piece. An extra dimension. This effect is evident in the mysterious forest on the front side of the base as well as the work on the lid.
The lid's decoration is nothing short of spectacular. The top side of the lid contains the composition while the four its angled sides contain the intricate Byzantine style ornamentation painted in mustard and blue tempera paints and outlined with gold. The compositions drawn on the box's sides are framed with simple gold ornaments.
The box is made out of paper-mache made. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the box. The lid is hinged, and the box rests on four legs. The work is signed with the artist's name, Mstera and the title.