This exquisite piece is from Fedoskino artist Natalya Orlova. Along with another work by Orlova, the box was recently featured in an exhibit at the Dmitrov Kremlin Museum.. Not only is this box dazzlingly beautiful, it also displays a high caliber of technique. The box features a lovely, nymph-like maiden on the front. She is wearing flowing garments in shades of blue and magenta and a sheer shawl. Her long hair falls past her waist in blond curls. Her hands rest on the top of her head. She is adorned with crimson berries of the forest and her soft blue eyes search the distance. Two regal owls are perched in a tree above the maiden's head (painted on the box's lid). Mother-of-pearl peeks from behind the owl's wings, giving them a majestic quality. A snowy tree branch of gold leaf rises above the owls, and protrudes from the box to create a nice three-dimensional effect. The owls hold strings of tiny jewels in their beaks that fall past the maiden. The sides of the box display a changing of seasons as the whites of winter intersperse with the golds of summer. Snowflakes dance between golden plants. Snow covered trees stand next to deciduous trees full of foliage. On the back of the box, the sun and moon intertwine. Painted in rich oranges and iridescent golds, the sun appears masculine with his rays of light surrounding his face like a lion's mane. The moon, painted with blues, iridescent silver and a hint of gold, curls up to the sun. Her lips faintly smile as she looks into the sun's eyes. Strings of tiny jewels hang from the moon. Both characters are dusted with mother-of-pearl. The box itself - an oval cylinder with a tilted lid - is an unusual shape. It stands flush on four blue jewels. The inside rim of the box is a rich blue with tiny golden leaves. The interior is dark red. The lid has a hinge at the back. The inner lid is deep red with a silver and gold branch painted across it. A pearly blue jewel contains the title, artist, village, and year. Made from high-quality papier mache, this box is an amazing addition to any collection. The box also comes with a certificate from the Kremlin Museum (in Russian) stating that it was part of an exhibition there. It is stamped and signed by the Museum's Director.

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.)