Vintage Khokhloma Appraisal

Vintage Khokhloma Russian Folk Art Lacquerware Set

This is a multi-piece collection of traditional Russian Khokhloma lacquerware, including lidded canisters, various sized bowls, and cups. The items are crafted from hand-turned wood and decorated using the distinctive Khokhloma technique characterized by a black, red, and gold color palette. The ornate freehand floral patterns feature stylized berries (strawberries and rowan berries) and scrolling gold foliage. This specific set exhibits the high-gloss, heat-resistant lacquer finish that is a hallmark of the craft, intended to mimic the appearance of precious metal gilding on simple wooden vessels. The interiors and rims are finished in a brilliant metallic gold-tone lacquer. Physically, the set shows varying sizes: a larger cylindrical canister with a domed lid and finial, a squat lidded jar, and several open bowls and cups. The condition appears fair to good for vintage items; there is visible cracking and loss to the lacquer on the lower rim of the center drinking vessel, and some scuffing on the table-contact surfaces. The style suggests mid-to-late 20th-century production (Soviet era, c. 1960s-1980s), likely originating from the Nizhny Novgorod region of Russia. The craftsmanship is highly detailed, showing consistent brushwork and a deep, multi-layered finish typical of authentic folk art souvenir exports.