Show all images on one page	#004109 Title: The Storyteller Artist: Bykova Yekaterina Size: 15x13x2.5 Size (inches): 6x5x1 Price : $880 SOLD!

This elegantly shaped box painted in the original style is the creation of Ekaterina Meshkova (Bykova) from the village of Palekh. It shows the storyteller who tells his fairy-tales to all inhabitants of the forest. Elves, dwarfs, various forest spirits, animals, children from a village located not far from this forest, and even an ogre have gathered on the sunny glade to listen to him.
The composition is complex in its structure. It includes thirteen human figures of different size, beginning with a large figure of a lady with long hair and finishing with the tiniest figure of the dwarf; multitude of various animals including a cat, a frog, an owl, etc.; and the beautiful forest setting filled with rich plant life. Each figure is individualized, and it's obvious that the artist has spent much time thinking over their appearance.
The scene is mostly painted in green tones as they suit perfectly to depiction of a forest setting. Both gold and aluminum are used to add various details.
The gold beading and gold filigree ornamentation frame the composition. The exterior of the box is covered with light and dark green blurry spots. This original ornamentation tones with the whole palette of the scene, and reminds the coloring of malachite. The box's interior is traditionally red.
The box is constructed of paper-mache. The lid is hinged from the top of the composition, and the box rests on a flat bottom. The work is signed, dated (2006) and titled ("Storyteller") by the artist in gold paints on the lid's interior.