Depicting the delightful Pinocchio fairy tale, Palekh artist Tatyana Smirnova shows Geppetto teaching his creation the ABC's that he needs to know in order to go to school. The graying woodworker is shown as stern, but wise and kind. Smirnova deviates from traditional Palekh art to paint Geppetto in a more naturalistic fashion, giving him the image of a mature older gentlemen who is both stern and kind. Pinocchio, with his little red and white hat and long pointed nose is wide eyed and innocent, and apparently very receptive to what this wise man has to say. Both characters are accented with fine gold lines,and the room itself has a very warm and comfortable feel to it. Smirnova frames the drawing with simple dot ornament around the top, and a silver and gold one around the side. The box is made out of high quality paper mache and does not have a hinge. It rests on three small round legs. The box is 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	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.)