Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Box “Couple by a Fantastic Flower”. Palekh, USSR, 1988. Papier-mâché, egg tempera, raised gold, lacquer. 12 by 10 cm Condition report: Surface wear; minor signs of use. Provenance: From the personal working archive of the Golikov family. Created and preserved by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov. A work by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov, one of the leading masters of the Palekh school, People’s Artist of the RSFSR, and son of Ivan Ivanovich Golikov. Dating to the 1980s, this is a small-scale composition centred on a lyrical scene. The figures of the couple are integrated into a decorative setting structured around a prominent floral motif. Ornament and figures form a unified rhythmic composition. The palette combines насыщенные tones with gold accents against a dark ground. Fine detailing is executed using raised gold and the traditional multi-layered tempera technique. Collecting & Investment Potential: Works by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov are held in major museum collections and form part of the established canon of Palekh miniature painting. Small-scale lyrical compositions represent a consistently strong segment of the market and appeal to a broad range of collectors. A refined small-scale composition by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov, exemplifying the lyrical tradition of Palekh miniature painting. Works of this type remain consistently sought after.