Mermaid

This small oval box is a creation of Olga Kolygina from the village of Palekh. The work is called “Rusalka” or “Mermaid”. “Rusalka” is a main heroine of the poem “Rusalka” written in 1819 by Alexander Pushkin .
The composition is painted in bright and festive tones. The predominance is given to reds, blues and greens. Some elements of the composition are detailed with gold and aluminum paint.
The box is constructed out of paper-mache. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the box. The box's exterior is decorated with intricate gold and silver patterns. The lid isn't hinged, and the box rests on four rounded legs. The work is signed with Palekh, the title, the year of 2005 and the artist's name.