Woven Bamboo Box Appraisal

Russian Khokhloma and Woven Bamboo Lacquer Box

This is a small, circular lidded container that uniquely blends traditional Russian Khokhloma handicraft with a woven bamboo structure. The body and lid center feature a natural, light-tan woven bamboo in a tight twill pattern. The perimeter of the lid and the exterior walls are finished with a high-gloss black lacquer base, richly decorated with characteristic Khokhloma floral motifs in warm gold, red, and orange tones. The painting style features scrollwork ‘travka’ (grass-like) strokes and stylized berries typical of late 20th-century Russian folk art. The box is constructed using a mix of lightweight wood/paper-mache for the lacquered areas and natural fiber for the inserts. Condition-wise, the lacquer remains largely intact with a mirror-like sheen, though minor surface scratches and faint edge wear are visible consistent with age and handling. There is no major cracking or loss to the woven sections. This piece likely dates to the 1970s-1990s and represents a cross-cultural or experimental design within the folk-art market. The craftsmanship shows precise hand-painted details and an unusual combination of rigid lacquered surfaces with flexible organic materials.