This painting by Palekh artist Vladimir Kurilov depicts Tsar Saltan who is seen overhearing the conversation of three sisters. It is the beginning of the famous fairy tale poem by Alexander Pushkin "The Tale of Tsar Saltan". 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 woman and about their dreams to be queen, as he stops himself from entering the scene. If we examine the image of the face of the girl in the middle, we notice the similarity in the way her face is drawn to the images of the Virgin Mary in iconography and in the way she humbly folds her hands. Undoubtedly she is the one that the artist intended to be the tsar's wife. The thoughtful composition of major and supplementary objects causes the viewer's eye to slide from the sitting figures in the middle to the tsar on the left. The artist carefully painted every fold of clothing with gold perfectly creating a three dimensional effect. All four figures are drawn relatively large, not often done on a middle size Palekh box of this nature. The box combines elegant style and fine craftsmanship. The sides are decorated with a precisely drawn gold and silver ornament. The box is made out of high quality papier mache and is hinged. It is signed with the name of the artist, village, and year (2000). Outstanding Palekh box!

Lacquerbox Condition Ratings

Surface Condition (exterior)	Surface Condition (interior/bottom)	Box Materials and Soundness	Hinge and Lid Placement	Signature	Total Rating	Mother-of-pearl Condition
9.5	9.5	10.0	10.0	10.0	49	N/A

(Each category rated 1-10. For low scores, look for explanation in the description of box. In general, any total rating over 40 is excellent. For more information on rating system, click here.)