Russian Folk Art Appraisal

Russian Lacquer Box with Folk Art Painting

This is a small, oval-shaped Russian lacquer box, possibly made from papier-mâché, and finished with a glossy black lacquer. The lid features a vibrant hand-painted folk art scene. The central figure is a young woman, attired in traditional Russian clothing, including a long, flowing red dress (sarafan) with gold detailing at the hem and bodice, and a white blouse with puffed sleeves and intricate embroidery. She also wears a matching red kokoshnik-style headpiece. Her light-colored hair is visible beneath the headpiece. She is depicted holding a single red rose, seemingly admiring its bloom. The background of the painting depicts a dark forest scene with green fir trees and lighter, almost golden, deciduous trees, creating a sense of depth and mystery. The entire painting is framed by an ornate gold scrollwork border, adding a decorative flourish to the edges of the lid. The colors used are rich and vivid, characteristic of traditional Russian lacquer miniature painting, which often employs tempera paints. While no maker's marks or signatures are clearly visible from the provided image, it is common for these boxes to be signed by the artist on the lower edge of the painting. The overall condition appears good with a bright, unfaded appearance, although minor surface wear consistent with age and handling might be present but isn't distinctly visible. This type of box typically dates from the mid to late 20th century. The craftsmanship, particularly the detailed brushwork in the painting and the intricate gold embellishments, indicates a good quality piece of decorative art.