A beautifully carved Russian Santa from solid linden displaying craftsmanship at its finest. In the front, Santa's green and silver coat and majestic hat are exquisitely detailed with mother of pearl filigree on an intricately dusty silver, apricot and olive background of leaves and wintry flowers. The colors of the coat change whimsically when you turn the Santa around. A striking sight meets your eyes - bold white, fistache and silver colors intertwine  in a complicated and rich pattern that is nostalgically reminiscent of the clothing worn by the Russian Great Princes that ruled Russia in the past. The Santa holds an ornate staff in one hand. A partridge is sitting on the other. His face is chiseled to perfection, radiating wisdom, serenity and love. Signed by the renowned artist, Natalia Rasskazova, this piece is unique in its imposing stature, the complexity and balance of the work, and the fine hand carving. 21"H x 13"W x 11"D.

This Russian Santa is called after "Yuriy Dolgorukiy", one of the most distinguished Great Princes of Kiev and Rulers of medieval Rus, the founder of Moscow, capital of modern Russia. He was the sixth son of Vladimir Monomach.

The carver was drying out the log for more than five years. The carver and the painter worked almost four months to finish the work.