ARTIST SIGNED HANDPAINTED WOODEN RUSSIAN SANTA 10 1/2" Start Price USD 649.99 Current Price USD 649.99 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, September 01, 2008 End Time Monday, September 08, 2008 Location Vestal, NY See more about ' ARTIST SIGNED HANDPAINTED WOODEN RUSSIAN SANTA 10 1/2"' Description                  CALLING ALL SANTA COLLECTORS, IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE SANTA, THIS IS THE ONE.  IT IS MAGNIFICENT AND MASSIVE..                         It is 10 and 1/2" tall and 10 and 1/2" long and 9 and 1/2" wide at the reindeer's antlers. It weighs 4 lbs. 2oz.                                 This is such a wonderful example of the rapidly disappearing artistry employed by the master Russian artists for centuries...  These are techiques passed down for generations and there are  very few willing to carry on the tradition that is so labor intensive; so there are fewer to choose from and they are going to become rarer and even more expensive.  Carved from linden wood, the body of the reindeer and the Santa sitting on his back is one large single piece of wood. Only the reindeer's antlers which are detachable are  seperate pieces of wood.  Then the piece is handpainted and according to the skill of the artists you have varying degrees of excellence.                                                          This artist in my estimation is one of the very very best.    I love the flat paint he uses instead of the shiny laquer looking paint, which I don't think is as rich.  Santa's coat is done in red and gold with a fur-looking trim, his gloves and fur- looking trimmed hat are done in green and gold and his backpack is all three colors.. All this has been handcarved and handpainted.                                                               I acquired this signed piece directly from the artist in Moscow and two years ago during the holidays I saw this same piece displayed in the Neiman Marcus holiday shop in Atlanta.  The price was $1,500.  I feel certain that  this is the same artist because of the uniqueness of his designs and because I recognize his work.     He paints  smaller more detailed figures on his Santas  instead of the larger figures painted on the Santa's of other artists.  All the detail work on this piece is just superb. Notice the hat that Santa is wearing, the leather straps on the reindeer's harness. You will not find anthing else of this superior quality for this price.  In addition to the ornately painted coat, hat and gloves and boots of Santa, there are pieces of glitter set into it.  Just a fabulous, fabulous piece to add to that special collection.                   Prospective bidders please look at photos  1, 5 and 10, at the dark line running down the length of Santa and reindeer. This is not a flaw, but rather a grain in the wood where the paint is not able to cover it.  In todays market where so many products are made from poured resin where there is no artistic ability, this is just one more piece of authentic artistry, where a natural product is used.     Please check out the other Russian Santa I am listing, it is by the same artist, totally different and totally fabulous also.  .      So good luck and happy bidding.          Shipping and Handling on this piece are free  within the U.S. , standard mail shipping  ( insurance also included with your purchase ).        International bidders please e-mail me for estimate of shipping charges. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: I WILL ONLY LIST THE ACTUAL SELLING PRICE OF THE ITEM ON THE CUSTOMS FORM.   I WILL ACCEPT PAYPAL AND MONEY ORDERS  FOR THIS AUCTION.                  Place a Bid!