This is a classy piece of work. The attention of any audience has a great deal of planning to do before diving head first into appreciation for this gorgeous miniature.
The skillful imagination of Alexey Rybakov is responsible for this vast assortment of detail and ornamental delight. The central composition is a waterfall of drama, it is as if a vision of the author was captured within their mind, removed for all to appreciate.
Egg-tempera paint is the primary medium used to compose this wealth of activity from the timeless tale of, "Tsar Saltan" The piece has been entitled, "Princess Swan..." This is another name for the story and a key element within it. The center medallion depicts the happy end of the story. Prince Gvidon and his wife, Princess Sway stand on the porch of the Grand Palace with her mother in law. A multitude of figures and scenes intertwine within the central scene. Whatever the case may be, dull will not enter into this scenario...
Nor is dull a word to describe this Rybakov original. The piece is constructed from paper-mache make in Kholuy, painted with black lacquer on the exterior and red lacquer on the interior. But the commonalities with other miniatures stop there. The decorative features are striking. The central composition is by far the largest and it is befriended by four smaller circular compositions at each of the four corners. All five compositions are surrounded by some of the finest filigree design available. Luxurious vines, adorned with leaves and flowers, wrap themselves around the compositions creating a full bouquet of elegance. This kind of decoration is always a key ingredient in any miniature composed by Rybakov. Slights of aluminum paint have also been added to accentuate a few of the flowers as well as beading the designs here and there.
Each of the five compositions offer a different moment from the tale. In the upper left hand corner, Prince Gvidon saves the Swan from a falcon. To the right of that, Merchants from Prince Gvidon's country visit the magical isle. In the lower left hand corner, The mighty Tsar visits Prince Gvidon. The lower right hand composition displays the wise Princess showing the surroundings of island Buyan to the visiting merchants.
Each composition is very well done, however, it is the largest scene that really intrigues. The detailing here is fantastic. The setting and the characters within it have been painted with purpose. The clothing, swirling snowy landscape and the positioning of the characters exude professionalism and creative genius. The artist has also used bright gold paint to grant a regal appeal to the armor of a couple soldiers, the head wear of the villagers and Tsar's court, and the cupolas of the background structures. There is exceptional flow to this scene, an animated piece of tradition it is.
A hinge is fastened to the top of the composition for ease of opening. All four of the base sides have been decorated with thoroughly elaborate scrollwork combinations that develop into filigree patterns at the center of each side. The pattern on the front side of the base is an extension of the filigree work that surrounds the lid's artistry. Aluminum paint is also used to accentuate all of the work on all four base sides.
Upon completion of the piece the artist adds an inscription to the interior of the lid. This inscription offers the piece as an author's original design. It also displays the title, the signature of the artist and the village name of Kholuy. All of this writing is completed using gold paint.
Materials: Egg-tempera paint, paper-mache, gold paint, aluminum paint and lacquer.
Item Specifications:
- Title: "Tale of Tsar Saltan 2002"
- Weight: 12.6 oz 358 g
- Price: $3000.00
- This specific item is available as a single work.
We do not expect to carry this item in the foreseeable future!
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