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Russian tea box in lacquered wood*, decorated with a rider pulling a Russian carriage called Troika (large sleigh pulled by three horses) at full speed in the Russian taiga, interior of the lid signed by the Lukutin workshop* with a double-headed eagle, from the late 9th century.
This box is in good condition and is of superb quality. Signed see photos. We do not have its key.
Please note: some wear on the sides, scratches, traces of cracking and wear from time, take a good look at the photos.
* Russian craftsmanship is deeply inspired by the sacred art of the icon. After the revolution of 1917, many of these artists had to "reconvert". They then began to create miniatures on lacquer and lacquered boxes. There are thus 4 schools of production of lacquered boxes in Russia: Palech, Fedoskino, Holoui and Mstera (names of cities). The boxes intended to be painted are made with porous cardboard, glued with paste and then dried. After being lacquered, they are then ready to be decorated by the artist. The latter will first paint the subject(s) and then apply the gilding. Finally, the work will be covered with 7 to 8 layers of lacquer and after prolonged drying, will be polished. These small boxes of various shapes are decorated with mythological scenes, Russian tales, scenes from everyday life, landscapes, etc. (source: russie.net site)
In 1818, control of the Korobov workshop passed to Pyotr Lukutin (Korobov's son-in-law), who expanded production to include tea caddies, album covers, desk accessories, and multipurpose boxes. Artists began painting intricate decorative designs on the boxes, and these veritable miniature paintings became ostentatious status symbols among the Russian aristocracy and wealthy merchant class. Demand for lacquerware exploded. Just five years after Lukutin took over the workshop, he employed over fifty skilled painters, and an in-house school trained apprentices. Pyotr Lukutin began exhibiting his wares in 1828 at industrial and craft fairs in Russia and Europe, winning great public acclaim and numerous awards. It was in that same year that Lukutin received the highest honor, a royal edict, allowing him to use the imperial emblem (double-headed eagle and his initials) as the company's trademark. Alexander Lukutin joined his father as the factory's director in 1841, and together they transformed a simple craft into a genuine art form through their innovation in decoration and techniques. The Lukutin workshop closed its doors permanently in 1904, and some of its artists were transferred to the Vishnyakov workshop.
(See website russianamericancompany.com)
