The artist uses a dark palette of paint that boldly represents the painting. The layout of the scene is configured by classic standards set forth by the icon painting tradition. Definitive lines and smooth brushwork allow the scene to transition well from one side of the lid to the other. Gold paint is used to depict Ivan's armor, which is the brightest thing in the scene and attracts good amounts of light. The box is constructed out of paper-mache made in the village of Kholuy.
Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior and red lacquer to paint the interior of the box.
Gold beading frames the scene. The box has no hinge and rests on a flat bottom. Upon completing the work on this piece the artist writes the title, Kholuy, and signs his name at the bottom of the composition.