Show all images on one page	#008709 Title: Fire-Bird Artist: Sulovyov Oleg Size: 8.5x11.5x2 Size (inches): 3.75x4.5x1 Price : $175 SOLD!

Oleg Solovyov of Palekh is the artist who painted the composition on this box.
The composition shows one of the episodes from Russian Folk tale "The Hump Backed Little Pony".
The scene depicted here shows a recognizible moment of story. Here we can see Ivan trying to catch Frebird, but getting only a feather of Firebird.
In the beginning of the story Ivan caught the magic mare that trampled down wheat on his father's field. This mare promised Ivan to present three foals in exchange for freedom. Later two of these foals turned into the steeds with golden manes depicted here, and the third one turned into the Humpbacked Little Pony. Later Ivan has brought two steed to show to the Tsar.
Ivan got the golden feather of a firebird that later becomes the reason of his first errand: he'll be obliged to catch the firebird for the old, greedy tsar. Then, in the tent with dinner and a jar of wine inside that Ivan has erected to lure and capture the Tsar-Maiden. And in the end of the story Ivan have to jump in there barrels/jars and became handsome fellow, but later when the Tsar jumped in the boiled water, he just bolied in it...
Warm colors are found in the palette that was used to paint this scene as well as cool colors. The detail is enhanced in the scene with the use of gold and silver paints, which are used sparingly but add brightness and life. With the fine brush mastery, clear detail, and dynamic characters, it's easy to see why Solovyov is such a popular artist!
The scene is framed with gold scroll work, whereas the sides of the box are adorned with elegant gold patterns.
The box is constructed of paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the piece while dark red lacquer completes the interior of the work.
The box has a hinge from the left of the scene, and rests on a flat bottom. It is signed with the artist's name, the village of Palekh and the title ("Fire-Bird").