This large, loaf shaped box from Palekh artist Mikhail Nebogatov features all of the animal participants in Russian fairy tales. From sneaky foxes and wolves, to clever frogs roosters, and hares, there are scenes from tales we don't even know! Yup, even we get stumped sometimes on the stories. Fortunately, the lively painting does a nice job of telling the story for us (although the pictures here do not nearly do it justice). Masha and the bear grace one side, while the clever fox, and the wolf she fooled explore the frozen lake on another. It seems that these three, bear, wolf, and fox, are the villains in our story, and appear skulking outside of fences, and lurking under windows on the other sides. The other creatures go about their business; the nanny goat trying to convince her rambunctious kids to sit nicely at the table for tea, while a rooster and hare chase off the fox. The wolf spies on the goat family, while the bear stares gloomily at the Kolobok. Luckily, an owl is listening in on the wolf's scheme, ensuring its failure. The final side has the unsavory trio outside of a sturdy gate. Judging from the sack in the bear's hand, they intend to kidnap someone for dinner. Will it be the singing rooster, the hardworking mouse and hedgehog, or the merry frog, who cheerfully holds aloft a plate of pancakes? We didn't get a clear photo of the lid, but suffice it to say, the scene is simply adorable as a frog clings for dear life on a stick, held between the beaks of two flying swans. The box is beautifully painted, in bright, crisp colors which seem to leap off of the black lacquer background. Great care has been paid to detail, and each character has a distinct personality. The bottom portion of the box is decorated with a thick border of delicate scrolls and flowers. This box is made of high quality papier mache. The box was done by Nebogatov (we obtained it directly from his wife who was here for a visit), but he forgot to sign it. There is no hinge, and the interior is red lacquer. It rests on four curved legs. A fascinating and incredibly inventive work by a top Palekh artist.

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.)