A pair of maidens sit beneath a willow at water's edge during Rusalka week. Folk tradition says that if a young girl places a wreath of flowers in the water during the weeklong celebration, she will see the face of her future husband in the water's surface at the center of the wreath. The pair talk nervously about whether they think it will work. One holds the wreath in her lap as they try to concentrate. Their brilliant dresses shine amidst the pale green and shimmering blue of the landscape. The willow branches drape over the sides, melting into a deeper pattern of swirling metallic emerald. The design continues to the bottom of the box, which is adorned with a spray of delicate flowers and a pair of butterflies. Vagner's unique style of translucent jewel tones over foil underlay creates an unmistakable sparkle and vibrance. This box is made of high quality papier mache and is signed on the lid with the artist's name (M. Vagner) and village. There is a hinge on the left, and the interior is red lacquer. An exquisite folk scene.--BOX1141

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.)