"THE FLYING CARPET"

ARTWORK
LACQUER BOX WITH MOTHER-OF-PEARL

 

This hand-painted lacquer box illustrates the fairy tale "The Flying Carpet, the Firebird, and the Princess". The superb use of natural mother-of-pearl makes this piece unique: its iridescent shimmer emerges from beneath the lacquer, imbuing a vibrant, silvery life into the starry sky, the ocean waves, and the radiant glow of the magical bird. A true jewel where every change of light reveals a secret nuance.

 

ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS

ARTIST	Kovalev Ivan
ART SCHOOL	Kholui
DATING	1980-1990
DIMENSIONS	17 x 12.5 x 4.5 cm
MATERIAL	papier-mâché
TECHNIQUE	mother-of-pearl, egg tempera, lacquerware
CONDITION	EXCELLENT

 

Features: elegant casket, unique hand-painted mother-of-pearl piece, rare item.

 

Ideal for: storing jewelry and small precious objects as an artistic jewelry box, jewelry holder, or decorative keepsake box; an elegant gift idea for special occasions; an artistic or artisanal gift for enthusiasts of unique items; enriching the environment as a decorative furnishing accessory or sophisticated designer furniture element; being displayed as a decorative ornament or display item; enhancing an artistic collection or representing a small art investment to be cherished over time.

 

Shipping: international, with careful packaging and tracking code.

 

THE FAIRY TALE

Commissioned by the Tsar to capture the Firebird to cure him of a serious illness, the youngest prince embarks on an adventurous journey. Along the way, he buys a worn and tattered flying carpet from a traveler, capable of soaring through the skies at the speed of thought. Flying beyond the boundaries of the known world, the prince reaches an enchanted kingdom where he discovers that the Firebird is guarded by a beautiful Princess, also a prisoner of a powerful spell. Charmed by her grace, the young prince frees her and, holding her close on the magic carpet along with the radiant bird, escapes the royal guards. His jealous brothers try to ambush him to steal his treasures, but the extraordinary speed of the flying carpet allows the two lovers to overcome every threat. Upon their return to the palace, the song of the Firebird restores the Tsar's health. Full of joy and gratitude, the sovereign blesses the marriage of his courageous son to the beautiful princess.

THE TECHNIQUE

The composition is entirely built around the central core of the flying carpet, which dynamically floats in space, bringing the prince and princess to safety. The incredibly fine details, embellished with gold leaf nuances, give volume to the protagonists' garments and the complex architecture of the cities below, characterized by the typical onion domes of Russian tradition.

The element that elevates this artwork is the skillful use of natural mother-of-pearl:

The Starry Sky and the Moon: The large full moon and the baroque clouds that frame the upper part are entirely created by utilizing the iridescence of mother-of-pearl. Under the light, the sky seems to move, vibrating with silvery, blue, and pink reflections that simulate the luminosity of a magical night.

The Sea and the Waves: In the lower part, the mother-of-pearl emerges from beneath the deep blue lacquer layer to bring the ocean waves to life. The ships seem to sail on luminous and vibrant waters, creating a strong sense of depth.

The Glow of the Firebird: The iridescent reflections of the shell have also been used to emphasize the luminosity of the golden cage and the Firebird's feathers, which glow with a warm, otherworldly light, sharply contrasting with the cool tones of the nocturnal landscape.