![19th Century Russian Lacquer Box with Painted Lid Showing Couple Making Bast Shoes. Folk Art](http://www.iconicedinburgh.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/27082023_0431_{width}x.jpg?v=1693946064)
This is a fine antique Russian Lacquer box which I think is from the Lukutin workshop and dates to 1894-1902.
The box is made of traditional papier mache with a black lacquer exterior and a red lacquer interior. Inside we have the maker's mark with three Imperial Double-Headed eagle emblems. The letter N - which relates to the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, and the words "Factory of N. Lukutinå" in Cyrillic script.
The box has a lovely concealed hinge - as photographed.
The lid has a pretty painting of a couple sitting on a bench outside of their wooden cabin. I think that they are making Bast shoes - cheap peasant shoes made from hemp rope - there appears to be some rope skeins draped over the bench in between the couple.
Dimensions: The width of the foot section of the box is 4 inches. The depth of the foot section is 3 1/8 inches. The height is just under two inches.
The painting on the lid is just under 3 inches x just under 4 inches.
It is in excellent antique condition. There are no damages to the box - the interior is red and without fading or staining. The exterior is black - with no chips or losses. The painting on the lid is very intricate with a good age to it - there is a little craquelure to the paint commensurate with age - and only really visible on close-up inspection.
I have taken lots of images for your inspection.
Postage will be capped at £4.95 for Special Next Day Delivery with the Royal Mail. This will be applied to your order at the checkout.