Show all images on one page	#001843 Title: Semik (Russian village celebration) Artist: Koligina Olga Size: 14.5x7x4 Size (inches): 5.5x2.75x1.5 Price : $950 SOLD!

This gorgeous pen case was created by the talented O. Kolygina from the village of Palekh. It shows how the Russians celebrate the ancient Russian festival called "Semik". It is celebrated in the middle of June (the seventh Thursday after Easter). This festival is notable for a complex of rites such as marking farewell to spring and welcoming summer. Celebration of this festival includes glorification of verdant Earth; the central figure of this festival is birch.
Celebrating this festival people decorate their houses with birch twigs and flowers. Young people sing and dance in a ring round a birch, play different games and decorate birches with multi-colored ribbons.
The composition painted in the traditional Palekh style is very bright and colorful. The costumes of the characters, and the surrounding landscape are richly detailed with gold and aluminum paints. When this piece is turned in the palm of the hand, the gold and aluminum shines like a handful of precious stones.
The piece is constructed from paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint its exterior while red lacquer completes its interior. The lid removes easily without hinge. The exterior of the piece is richly decorated with beautiful gold filigree designs. The work is signed with the artist's name, title, village and year (2005).