This little work from the innovative Palekh artist Tanya Smirnova shows a young pretty girl with long curly hair. Her large round eyes are so innocent and sincere that it's hard to pull yourself away from her. But look away you do, and then you discover that the girl is holding her hand out and feeding a small little bird, tail feathers up and beak down. Very adorable. Smirnova placed a piece of mother of pearl in the girl's shoulder which rises above the surface of the box. Gold flower blossoms, meanwhile, are drawn on various tree limbs. A gold border frames the drawing. Another more elaborate ornament adorns the sides, and its flow around the box is paused momentarily by the insertion of two beautiful pieces of malachite. The box is made out of high quality papier mache, sits on four small round legs. It has a hinge and a red interior. Signed with the name of the artist, village and year.

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	10.0

(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.)