Lacquer Box – Palekh Paper Mâché, Hand-Painted Horses & Rider, Signed Smirnov 1977

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Description

Beautiful Russian lacquer paper mâché box featuring a vibrant Palekh folk art scene of a mythical rider and spirited horses. … Read more Beautiful Russian lacquer paper mâché box featuring a vibrant Palekh folk art scene of a mythical rider and spirited horses. Hand-painted with the delicate detail and storytelling tradition that Palekh is known for, this vintage box is signed “Smirnov, 1977.”

Palekh, one of Russia’s most celebrated lacquer art villages, is renowned for its miniature painting style rooted in iconography. Artists used fine brushes and layered tempera paints to create luminous, intricate scenes, often depicting folklore, fairytales, and heroic characters. This box is a lovely example of that tradition, with rich colors, gilded accents, and a glossy black lacquer finish.

Made of papier-mâché, lightweight yet sturdy, the box measures 4-3/4" x 2-1/2" x 1-1/2" — a perfect size for jewelry, keepsakes, or display.

In good vintage condition with light surface scratches consistent with age and use. A wonderful piece for collectors of Russian folk art, lacquer miniatures, or vintage decorative boxes.

Origin: Russia, Palekh
Artist: Signed Smirnov
Year: 1977
Material: Paper mâché with lacquer
Size: 4-3/4" L x 2-1/2" W x 1-1/2" H
Condition: Good; minor surface scratches See less