This is an authentic Soviet era Russian black lacquer multi colored hand painted child’s jewelry box, made of papier mache (more desirable and of higher quality than wood) and having been made in the village of Fedoskino (near Moscow), specifically, “The Fedoskino Miniature Painting Factory”, produced circa 1985, and entitled “The Peddlers”; selling for 30 plus rubles at the time. All of this information is translated from the enclosed “Ministry of Local Industry” certificate validating the genesis of this lovely box (see image). Unlike most other Russian lacquer boxes, this box, as per Fedoskino maker customary practices, was hand painted with oil paints rather than tempura. The “Fedoskino” Cyrillic signature (Russian script); along with “’85” (indicating 1985 production date); and the artist’s signature to the lower right all appear across the bottom face of the lid (see image).
The box is signed in the lower right area of the lid by “N.M. Ivanova”; a well known and documented Fedoskino female artist. The title “The Peddlers” is after a Russian folk song about a young Russian merchant (Vanya) displaying quality linens to a young lady (Katya) whom he is trying to impress, creating the lifelike portrayal to the hand painted top.
The box is replete with a plethora of provenance and documentation. The 1980 world Summer Olympics, were held in Moscow, and subsequently boycotted by 60 nations (including the United States), because of the Soviet Union’s invasion and occupation of Afghanistan in December of 1979. This period, 1978 thru 1985, was recognized as the “Golden Age” of Russian lacquer boxes and highly sought after by connoisseurs, as the demand for Russian boxes diminished and fell out of favor after this period, resulting eventually, in low quality mass produced non signed souvenir trinket boxes.
Of note is a slight iridescent glow emanating from the dress of the young lady and the gold background. This is a result of painting over gold leaf or mother of pearl; a technique of The Fedoskino Company and of the highest quality and attention to detail. This, along with, the finely made hinged top, tight fitting lid, and famed artist, places this box in the upper echelon. Note the rich ruby red glossy and clean hand painted interior; indicative of Fedoskino Russian lacquer boxes.
The box is in excellent and completely original condition and there is no touch paint, or restoration of any kind; no cracks splits or warping; a very fitting item for the discerning collector.
Dimensions: 4″ long x 3 1/2″ wide x 1 1/2″ high
Note: I am a second generation antiques dealer and have been in business, buying, selling, and collecting, for 50 years; I am also a member of several prestigious antique associations. Thus, I am well qualified to inspect and evaluate the products I offer for sale and I guarantee this to be authentic and as I have described.