Undulating clouds crackle with summer lightning against a brilliant gold foil sky as an elegantly dressed woman finds shelter beneath her parasol. Her billowing veil and the soft frills at her cuff and collar echos the shifting clouds as they dance in the rush of wind heralding the arrival of a storm. In the foreground a younger woman smiles shyly from beneath the shimmering folds of a deep blue cloak as a messenger hands her a secret note. Delicate gold and silver accents add glittering depth and texture, while thin, abstract designs of gold foil echo the crackle of lightning. The sides bear an elaborate "reverse painted" gold foil design, which echoes the wrought iron gate in the background of the scene. This box is made of high quality papier mache, and is signed on the lid with the title, artist's name (Roman Chibisov), village, and date of completion, and with the same on the underside of the lid, surrounded with sheer swirls of gold. There is a hinge at the top, and the interior is red lacqeur. The base of this piece is flush.

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.)