Show all images on one page	#004817 Sale! Title: Magic Squirrel Artist: Arzhakova Size: 14x14x5 Size (inches): 5.5x5.5x2 Price: $425 $250

This classic scene from the fairy tale "The Tale of Tsar Saltan" was painted by Fedoskino artist Arzhakova. It shows one of three wonders of the Gvidon's island: the squirrel that all day long cracks golden nuts with emeralds inside and sings songs. The squirrel is sitting in the crystal house, and, beneath, we can see a large box full of emeralds gathered by servants from the ground. Prince Gvidon is leading his father, Tsar Saltan, and other guests to this wonder. All people are surprised and opened their mouths in amazement. The artist managed to reproduce skillfully emotions of the characters by means of depicting different complicated gestures and animated facial expressions. In the background the artist depicts Gvidon's palace. Elaborate series of towers, arches and walls, and fine decoration on some of the walls and roofs nicely completes the fairy-tale landscape.
The piece is filled with lovely color combinations. The rich palette of blue, red, pink, yellow, brown, green, and ochre colors glitters and glimmers against the black background. The surface seems filled with light and air. This effect has been achieved by adding aluminum powder to the oil-based tones. Aluminum also makes the scene look festive and decorative.
Beautiful gold floral ornamentation frames the composition and decorates the sides of the box. The box is constructed from paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the box while red lacquer completes the interior of the work. The lid isn't hinged and the box rests on a small rim. The Fedoskino Factory stamp "Troika" (insignia) can be found on the interior of the lid. The box is signed with the artist's name, village and year (2003).