Tale of a Tsar Saltan

This originally-shaped box was painted by a well-known and experienced Palekh artist, Vladimir Bogdanov. The box's lid and its sides show some recognizable moments from Pushkin's "Tale of Tsar Saltan". The box's lid depicts Prince Gvidon and his wife, Princess Swan, welcoming Tsar Saltan who arrives to the island on board of his ship. The island is defended by thirty-three Warriors of the Sea painted on the back side of the box.
Each of the scenes is well-done, in the traditional Palekh style. The drawing is quite fine, with small details in the characters' faces and costumes, some architecture and the landscape. The details are richly enhanced with gold and aluminum paint that adds a rich brightness to the work. Gold and aluminum paint is also used to decorate the box's exterior with beautiful patterns.
The box is constructed out of paper-mache. The exterior of the piece is painted with black lacquer and interior is painted with red lacquer. The lid is hinged on top and the box stands on flat bottom. The work is signed with the artist's name, Palekh and the year of 2012.