In this casket created by Palekh artist Nina Suloeva, five Russian fairy tales are skillfully depicted on the sides and the top. The fairy tales are -- Tale of the Golden Cockerel; Ruslan and Ludmila;Tale of the Dead Princess; Ivan Tsarevich; the Gray Wolf, and the Firebird; and Tale of Tsar Saltan. Don't know them all? Don't worry, they are all on our fairy tale page here where you can read either a short of long version of them.

The box, which stands four inches high, is as elegant as they come. It would not look out of place in a museum or in the finest lacquer box collection. Each scene is elaborately drawn with lovely colors and intricate lines. The ultra thin lines and embellishments are brilliantly radiant in gold or silver, providing definition and clarity to the people and objects. The scenes are framed with gold and silver ornaments which further enhance the richness and luxurious look of the piece. It is hard to pick a favorite drawing out here because they are all done so well and follow the highest traditions of Palekh art. The top opens, has a hinge, and opens up to a red interior. Four small legs raise the box off the surface it sits on. The box is made out of paper mache and signed at the top with the name of the artist, village, year, and title of the painting on the top "Tale of Tsar Saltan". A fine work for the discriminating collector.