These organizations can be referred to as 'factories'. There are different 'levels' of lacquer art, with various degrees of quality and value.Įach of the four villages has an officially recognized organization, where the box itself is created and assembled. Any advice.Ĭreate an account or login in order to post a comment.History of Lacquer Art The Making of a Lacquer Box Lacquer Box Guide A Word About AuthenticityĪll Russian lacquer boxes are not necessarily created equal. I have a 3 tiered 'red box' jewelry box with 3 horses a couple on a sleigh and a farmhouse and buildings in the background. I don't know if that was US currency or Russian Roubles. There was a handwritten note in the box from the owner that he had paid $495 for it. The only information that I have is that the man who originally owned it traveled to Russia in the late 1970's - mid 1980's. Greetings and thank you for the information. Does the image on the lid glow at a certain angle? They use gold underlay and paint over it in a special technique which creates a unique effect of inner glow.Īnd also here if you can drop it in some online translator: Is the box marked on the bottom in any way? I came across a reference saying there are many imitations out there. Since 1934 the bottom of a box was marked with 'Made in USSR' which in 1992 was replaced with 'Made in Russia'. However, i founds other information that may be of interest: I thought i would be able to tell the age of the box by looking up the artist's name, unfortunately nothing came up in reference to this artist. The box is from Palekh which is another school that makes lacquer miniatures, although in their own characteristic style, which is dark backgrounds and tones, and shapes and figures reminiscent that of Russian icon painting style. The box is signed 'Palekh' 'Troika' 'Artist Chernykh'.

I would appreciate any help with the translation and perhaps an age for the box. What is interesting is that the horses are all black - and I have been unable to find any images on line of a Troika being pulled by black horses.

The interior is red and smells of linseed oil. It is 1 1/2' high or deep counting the lid. The box lid measures 6 3/4' x 4 1/4' while the actually body of the box is 6 3/8' x 4 1/16. The last is on the right and that is supposedly the artist. I do know the subject matter is a common one - Troika - a Russian sled pulled by three horses, but I'm not sure if that is what the title actually says.

The center or middle area is supposedly the title. It is possible that it may be from Mstera or Kholui but again I don't read Russian. This is what I know - it is signed in three places: the left side which is supposed to be the village or area that is from. I just picked up this Russian Lacquer box and hope someone can help me determine age, and location.

Russian Lacquer Boxes by Unknown