Show all images on one page	#007851 Title: Tale of Tsar Saltan Artist: Vlezko Vladimir Size: 14.5x3.5x9.5 Size (inches): 5.75x1.25x3.75 Price : $950 SOLD!

This interesting dual-sided Palekh box was painted by famous artist and teacher Vladimir Vlezko.
On both of the sides of the box the artist has chosen to depict episodes from the turbulent story entitled, "The Tale of Tsar Saltan".
The composition shows the beginning of the tale when three sisters gossip among themselves as they spin wool. Each tells what she would do if she were to marry Tsar Saltan, the ruler of the kingdom, and available bachelor. Little do they know that the tsar himself is just outside of their gate, overhearing their conversation. The youngest will soon become his bride because of her wise answer: "If I were the tsar's wife I would give birth to a charming child!".
The artist makes the body language and expression of each face very unique. For instance, the Tsar appears rather stunned by what he hears in the conversation between the three young women and about their dreams to be a Queen.
On the other side of the box we can see a scene of meeting Princess Swan with Prince Gvidon.
The artist makes bold choices of color, which include orange, green, blue, and red. Throughout the scene each color has its own balanced place that creates a strong visual aesthetic. The artist has been also able to balance the composition by placing elements of nature, like trees, hills, as well as skillfully executed architecture in the background. The detail is added with gold paint, which defines the movement in the clothing, the contours, and the decoration on the characters' clothing. It is also used to detail the landscape and the architecture, but only for added highlight.
The box is made out of paper-mache. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the piece. Gold ornamentation frames the compositions on the lids. The box has a hinge at the bottom of the compositions and rests flat.