The unusual scene on this shimmering work by Evgeniya Nebogatova is based on Aesop's fable of the Fox and the Crane. The two were once friends, and were known to share meals. One day, as a joke, the fox invited the crane for dinner, and served soup in a shallow bowl. The crane couldn't manage to eat a drop of soup! Frustrated, and embarrassed, he decided to teach the fox a lesson, and at the next dinner, served soup in a thin mouthed jug. The fox tried, but her tongue wasn't long enough to taste the soup! Nebogatova's dynamic painting of the characters and use of rounded shapes create a sense of motion within the scene. This box is made of high quality papier mache and is signed on the lid with the title, artist's name, village, and date of completion. There is a hinge at the top, and the interior is red lacquer. The base of this piece is flush. A lovely tribute to hospitality.--BOX1101

Lacquerbox Condition Ratings

Surface Condition (exterior)	Surface Condition (interior/bottom)	Box Materials and Soundness	Hinge and Lid Placement	Signature	Total Rating	Mother-of-pearl Condition
9.5	9.5	10.0	10.0	10.0	49	N/A

(Each category rated 1-10. For low scores, look for explanation in the description of box. In general, any total rating over 40 is excellent. For more information on rating system, click here.)