Show all images on one page	#005795 Title: Old Moscow Artist: Strunin Mikhail Size: 31.5x12x5 Size (inches): 12.25x4.75x2 Price : $1250 SOLD!

This gorgeous rectangular box was painted by Mikhail Strunin from the village of Mstera who specializes in painting architectural landscapes. The views of Moscow and St.-Petersburg in the bygone centuries is his favorite theme to depict. This box continues this interesting theme and depicts several scenes with picturesque views of old Moscow. Probably, working on this box the artist used some old paintings drawn in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The box has one rectangular composition painted on the box's lid and four scenes painted on the box's sides. Each of the depicted scenes shows the Moscow Kremlin from different angles. Painted in yellow-brownish palette, the scenes help a viewer to imagine how ancient Moscow looked like, and observe an everyday life of people who lived then. White-stone cathedrals and splendid palaces rise behind the strong fortifications, the burnished gold onion domes glisten on the sun, and the townspeople are occupied with their daily routine. The overall detail in this scene is simply incredible!
The box is richly decorated with stylish patterns. The edges of the lid are adorned with gold leafy ornaments. The box's sides and the space of the lid that is free from painting are decorated with complex patterns painted in brown tempera paints. These patterns consist of paradise flowers, mythic animals and the images of Russia's coat of arms.
The box is constructed from paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the box while red lacquer completes the interior of the work. The lid is hinged at the top, and the box rests on four legs. The work is signed with the name of the artist, the village of Mstera, and the title (Moscow) .