This handsome box, which we are dating back to approximately 1870, shows a troika racing through the Russian countryside. The young driver leans over to converse with his three passengers, country gals, going for the ride of their lives. Or perhaps they are celebrating, as it was only a few years earlier in 1861 when Alexander II emancipated the serfs. The details here are nicely done and the gold foil that the artist used in some of the clothing glows beautiful against the mostly darker colors of the box. When you open the box, you will see a red interior, and three small compartments to put small items in. Under the lid there is an insignia with the words around it "Lukutin Factory". This identifies the piece as being made between 1863 and 1876.

The box is in pretty good shape, too. The top left corner of the lid has chipped off, but other than that, the box is intact. As would be expected, there is some general crazing on the surface, and a few scuffs and scratches, but nothing is all that noticeable to the naked eye and looks a good deal worse in the pictures here than in person. The box is made out of high quality papier mache and has a hinge at the top. As is typical for boxes made at the Lukutin factory, it is not signed. This is a fine antique piece from this era and deserves a special place in any collection.

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
7.5	8.0	10.0	10.0	9.0	44.5	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.)