For example Prince Yelisey and his horse are painted with warmer paints to create a contrast so they stand out better. The composition is very fluid and the eye has a tremendous amount of information to digest within the scene. Most of the activity is created in the swirling paints found in the background that seem to mold around the prince. The artist also uses a subtle amount of gold paint to outline some of the detail, which attracts more light to the box. 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 is used on the interior of the box.
Gold paint is used to decorate the exterior of the box in the form of scrollwork. Two identical designs, one frames the scene and the other is on the sides, add a sense of formality to the piece, which complements the painting as well. The box has no hinge and rests on a flat bottom. On the bottom you will also find the Kholuy insignia in gold paint. Upon completing the work for this piece the artist writes the title, Kholuy, and signs her name under the composition in gold paint.