Show all images on one page	#001664 Title: Story of Sadko Artist: Rodionova Ludmila Size: 17x12x2 Size (inches): 6.75x4.75x0.75 Price : $785 SOLD!

This beautiful piece of genuine Russian artistry was composed by Lyudmila Rodionova from the village of Palekh. A dream of a setting has been composed here. It is alive and full of animated brilliance. A myriad of characters swarm from all angles. The eye has many places to go while in observance of this composition.
This scene takes place towards the end of "Sadko." Here, Sadko has just finished performing for Tsar Morskoi, King of the Sea. The Tsar would love for Sadko to stay and live an underwater happily-ever-after with his gorgeous daughter Princess Volkhova. Sadko tells Volkhova, that he can't marry her, as he is in love with his wife, Lubava. Volkhova understands that Sadko's devotion to his wife is too strong to be swayed, so she helps him to sneak away, back to Novgorod. Still amorous of Sadko, Volkhova tenderly kisses Sadko 'goodbye' and turns into the river Volkhova which flows from Lake Ilmen to the sea.
What is primarily striking about this piece is the vast assortment of detail that is fit within such a small area. In addition, this piece is dual sided, meaning that there is an enchanting composition on each side! It is as if the entire ocean has been displayed. If it is found on the ocean floor, it is found here. The creatures are as imaginative as they are adorable. Right next to Tsar Morskoi we have a sweet little dolphin dressed as a sword wielding guard! On the rear side of the piece the artist displays even more sea life. Hammer head sharks, crabs and groupers slide among the giant sea tortoise and the jellyfish stingers. A realistic gem from all angles.
The artist's expertise with tightly configured golden and aluminum contours is what really brings out the details and texture within the composition. The multitude of plants appear to be waving within the salty splendor of the sea. A deep navy blue acts like the currents of water, painted in strips and contoured with aluminum paint. As customary with Palekh tradition, the black lacquer exterior also acts like the background for the scenery. This feature brings out twice as much detail! The box rests upon a spherical extension that is like a saucer for the box to rest on. This is a great way to display the piece, or one may choose to prop up the box so that both sides can be enjoyed equally. A giant gold fish rests within the spherical stand, surrounded by a string of bright golden beads.
There isn't any need for ornamentation around the lid's composition. This extravagance is within the scene. The characters' clothes sparkle like priceless pieces of treasure. Again, the contouring is responsible for this. Sea greens, fiery red-orange, olive and blue dominate the palette. The melon-mauve mix within Tsar Morskoi's throne is especially unique, as is the pewter-chocolate used in the octopus to the left of Sadko. The entire presentation is a complete joy that is attractive and entertaining.
The box is constructed from paper-mache made in the village of Palekh. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the piece while red lacquer completes the interior of the box. A hinge has been fastened to the top of the composition to be used for ease of opening. In a very original twist, the artist has crafted the box to resemble an undersea member of the cast. The box is carved into the shape of a giant clam, complete with multiple concave indentations to show the shell ridges. There is a small crevice in the front side of the base that aids in the lid's opening.
Upon completion of this piece the artist signs their name, the village name of Palekh and the year of 1999 along the bottom of the composition in bold gold paint.