The young boy Fedyunka, on the left, and Grandpa Yefim, on the right, are watching in awe as a dancing girl appears in the middle of their camp fire. She dances merrily with a blue handkerchief in her hand, and the spellbound spectators almost forget her after she disappears. But Fedyunka does not let go of what he saw: what could this mean, he asks? This fairy tale by Pavel Bazhov is based on oral tales of the miners and gold prospectors of Ural region in Siberia.
Considering the tiny size of the box, this composition is impressively detailed and nuanced. The fearful expression on Fedyunka's face, Grandpa Yefim's surprise, and lighthearted joy of the Fire-Fairy are all well conveyed in this miniature. The soft yellow, green, light pink, teal, orange, and red dominant tones create a truly magnificent fall color ensemble. One feels drawn into this inviting forest scene.
The painting is adorned with an elegant gold ornament, and a more elaborate gold and silver ornament is painted on the sides of the box. The bottom of the painting is signed with the name of the artist, village and composition. The box sits flat with no legs, opens without a hinge, and has red interior. Inside the box is a folded paper certificate. The box and lacquer are in very good condition.