Russian Papier-mache Lacquer Box “Shepherd & Shepherdess”
£80.00
These Russian Lacquer Boxes originated in Russia in the 17th century and are a good example of the finest level of detail by some of Russia’s talented artists. It is made of papier-mache and they use oil or tempera paints and they get their name from the many layers of lacquer that are applied to both their outside and inside sections. The paint brushes typically have one rabbit or squirrel hair and are painted and then polished many times. The boxes originate primarly from four villages, Palekh, Mstera, Fedoskino and Kholui and they each have their own style. Some of their famous artists include Kritov, Zotov, Shishakov and many others. They are famous the world over and come in unique shapes and sizes.
Palekh is 250 miles from Moscow boasts some 600 artists with the secrets of their art being passed down through the generations. In 1923, the Palekh cooperative showed some of their small boxes and dishes with motifs from Russian folk songs. The Palekh masters began to export their work and won prizes including at the Paris World Expo. In the museum there a priceless collection of icons, lacquer miniatures as well as drawings and paintings and the subject for these miniatures are typically class works of literature, fairy tales, folk songs and poems. The work is usually created on a black background with decorations in gold. They are known for their delicate and smooth design with gold shading and silhouettes which cover the surface of the lids.
The work is all done by hand and each box is oiled, primed, caulked and painted with black lacquer on the outside, red enamel is on the inside and each box is unique.
Dimensions
Length: 9 cms
Width: 6 cms
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In stock
