The calm surface of the water is broken by the careful steps of of a golden pony. His rider crouches along the horse's thickly muscled neck, cautiously brushing back delicate stalks of sea grass to peer at what lies beyond. Perhaps the pair are Ivan and his humpbacked pony, waiting for the beautiful princess to arrive in her tiny boat, or perhaps they are as enchanted by and curious about the viewer as we are of them. Lumbering carp hang like silver fossils in the pewter water, whose delicate ripples are matched by the sensuous undulations of the phragmite. Anokhin uses a striking combination of foil underlays, metallic paints, and delicate, feathery brush strokes to create his ethereal, often philosophical works. A soft, taupe border and creamy background accentuate Anokhin's otherworldly palette of sparkling pallor without distracting, while softening the transition to the black lacquer sides. This box is made of high quality papier mache and is signed on the lid with the artist's name. There is a hinge at the top, and the interior is red lacquer. 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.)