Show all images on one page	#005444 Title: Circus Artist: Molodkin Vladimir Size: 24.5x18.5x4.5 Size (inches): 9.5x7x1.75 Price : $1950 SOLD!

Vladimir Molodkin of Mstera is the artist who painted this scene. He is not only a great Master, he is also the father and mentor of his three sons- Denis,Daniil and Mikolay, who are also well-known Mstera artists. The legacy the Molodkin family will remain on Mstera soil, and in the minds and hearts of the lacquer art world for many generations!!!
The box is called "Circus", and features a performance of Russian circus artists. The gymnasts show their skill in extreme balancing under the circus's big top, the athlete lifts weight, the brave animal trainer makes tigers and lions jump through a burning hoop, the clown does conjuring tricks while the appreciative audience applauds crying "Bravo".
The Russian circus is considered to be one of the best in the word. Its history is full of glorious names - the Durov animal training dynasty, all-genre man Boris Eder, illusionists Kio, tiger trainer Irina Bugrimova, clowns Pencil (Mikhail Rumyantsev), Yuri Kuklachyov, Oleg Popov, Yuri Nukulin, Leonid Yengibarov, the Zapashny dynasty, etc. In 2004 it celebrated its 85th anniversary. In 1919 the Soviet government issued a decree declaring all Russian circuses a state property. But the Russian circus has much a longer history going back to medieval times when roaming buffoons known as "skomorokhi" entertained people with acrobatic numbers. In the 18th century circus shows became an ordinary event, and in the 19th century every large city had its stationary circus. At present young Russian circus artists win top awards at prestigious circus festivals in Warsaw, Paris, Monte Carlo, etc.
The box is made out of paper-mache. Black lacquer was used to paint the exterior of the piece while red lacquer completes its interior. The exterior is decorated with gold intricate foliage patterns. A hinge has been fastened to the left of the composition, and the box rests on four legs. The work is signed and titled by V. Molodkin.