Show all images on one page	#001234 Title: Tale of tsar Saltan Artist: Populov Eugene Size: 11x8x9.5 Price : $795 SOLD!

This is a handsome presentation created by talented Palekh artist Yevgeniy Populov. His skill as a master painter is displayed here through exceptionally fine lines and geometrical care. The characters and the settings live together, Populov's expertise did not have to struggle here. This ability is natural, a gift for those found as admirers.
This oval, canister shaped box depicts several scenes from "The Tale of Tsar Saltan". This tale tells about a king and his son who become separated due to the jealous interference of two wicked stepsisters. With the help of the Swan Princess, they are finally reunited after years of separation. To remind the viewer the plot of this tale, the artist decorates the whole surface of the box with a number of colorful scenes. It is the iconographic method of painting is used so that multiple areas of time and space may coexist upon the same surface.
The sides of the box show the fantastic island of Prince Gvidon and the happening connected with it. The first scene shows Gvidon and his beloved mother who have just climbed out of the barrel. While they observe the picturesque landscape of a strange island, a gorgeous swan swings on the sea waves. Soon Prince Gvidon will rescue the Swan from the evil falcon. It will turn out that this Swan is a bewitched Princess. Prince Gvidon and Princess Swan will fall in love with each other at first sight. The other scene depicts Swan Princess Prince Gvidon and his mother standing near their beautiful palace to greet Tsar Saltan's ships. Gvidon scans the horizon with his looking glass, and sees his father whom he has never seen before. Then there is the magic squirrel that the merchant told the Tsar about. The squirrel lives in a crystal cage that Prince Gvidon has built for it and cracks golden nuts with emeralds inside. The next scene shows Prince Gvidon showing his young wife, the beautiful Princess Swan, to his father, Tsar Saltan. The center of attention is on the rich feast on the lid. This joyous occasion happens at the end of the tale, when the family is finally reunited.
As customary with Palekh tradition, the black lacquer exterior of the box also acts as the background for the compositions. This adds a slick intensity and an overwhelming clarity to the work of Populov. The artist uses gold and aluminum to highlight and texture considerable portions of the artistry. The character's clothing takes on a costumed luster. The trees and water seem to breathe. The architecture is now regal and almost ornamental as playful pieces of the ruler's manmade entourage. This presentation is filled with features that act as one.
The composition on the lid is framed a pattern of golden beads. The filigree band wraps around the base and it is made up of feathered vines that act like bouquets holding aluminum flowers between them, and a line of gold beads runs parallel to it.
The box is constructed from paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the work while a lavish red lacquer completes the interior of the box. The lid of this creation removes easily without hinge. The box comes to rest upon four feet carved as a portion of the base. The artist has written his name, the village, and year (2004) at the bottom of the composition on the lid. The same inscription can be found on the interior of the lid with addition of the title.