- Origin: Russian lacquer boxes are a traditional folk art, with prominent schools in villages like Palekh, Fedoskino, Kholui, and Mstera.
- Craftsmanship: These boxes are typically made from papier-mâché, meticulously hand-painted with fine details using egg tempera (in Palekh) or oil paints (in Fedoskino), and then finished with multiple layers of lacquer for a smooth, glossy surface.
- Artistic Style: The Palekh school, in particular, is known for its delicate style, often featuring elongated figures, vibrant colors over a black background, and intricate gold ornamentation, influenced by traditional icon painting.
- Themes: While Palekh artists often depict scenes from Russian fairy tales and folklore, as well as historical and everyday life, wildlife themes like the owl in your image are also common across the various Russian lacquer art schools.
- Collectibility: Genuine Russian lacquer boxes, especially those from established schools and signed by the artist, are highly collectible and valued for their artistry and historical significance.
This round box is 2.5 by 2.5 by 2.
This little box is painted in blues and greens.