Ruslan and Ludmila by Kovalev | Kholui Lacquer Box

This interesting composition shows us a moment from the Pushkin's Fairy tale "Ruslan and Ludmila". This elegant needle box has been made by I. Kovalev from the village of Kholui.
Egg-tempera paint is the main medium used to paint this composition. The palette is based in reds, golds and blacks that make complementary combinations throughout the scene. Gold is used to highlight the composition.
The box is made out of paper-mache. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the box. Golden ornament frames the composition, while another ornamentation wraps around the sides of the box. The lid is hinged from the left of the scene. Approx.  6.25"x1.25"x1.25".