Show all images on one page	#006164 Title: An old Moscow Artist: Strunin Mikhail Size: 38x13x9.5 Size (inches): 15x5x3.75 Price : $1650 SOLD!

This gorgeous large box was painted by Mikhail Strunin from the village of Mstera. It depicts a view of the Moscow Kremlin from the direction of the Stone and Alive Bridges. Working on this box the artist used some old paintings drawn in the 18th or 19th centuries.
Painted in yellow and brown tones this scene opens up a grandiose panorama before the viewer's eyes. It helps to imagine how ancient Moscow looked like, and observe 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: some of them carry vegetables to the market, the others pasture goats and sell their goods; while the nobility stroll along the river embankment. The overall detail in this scene is simply incredible!
The box is made out of paper-mache. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the piece. Gold floral ornamentation frames the scene on the lid. Another floral design, but a little bigger in size, wraps around the sides of the box. The lid is hinged from the top of the scene, and the box rests on four wavy legs.
The work is signed with the artist's name, Mstera and the title "1830, Moscow, the view of the Moscow Kremlin from the direction of the Stone Bridge".