The timeless pleasures of fine works of literature are brought to mind in this box by Palekh artist Vera Smirnova. A seasoned older man is reading a huge tome in the foreground while a couple youth read their chosen classics under a golden light in the background. The soft features of the man's face make him really quite handsome, though a man of his nature would undoubtedly care more for what he keeps inside than what he looks like on the outside. Smirnova does a masterful job in painting his face and skin tones, and is one of only a few artists from the village of Palekh able to paint with egg tempera paints in such a realistic fashion. The box is made out of high quality papier mache and has a hinge at the top. A gold border adorns the sides. Smirnova niftily incorporated her signature, village and year completed into the spines of the books resting on the shelves.

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.)