This elegant box by Palekh artist E. Bykova is shaped like a cello and features some classic architecture and landmarks of St. Petersburg, along with three well dressed women. On the front, two of the women stand before the Neva River and classic city architecture. Starbursts of gold and tiny clear gemstones light up the evening sky and make the atmosphere very festive. On other side, the third woman is drawn with her very fancy hat and stands in front of a sphinx, one that the Russian government bought from Egypt centuries ago. The distant background also shows more classic architecture under the night sky with bursts of gold and tiny embedded gemstones. The spectacle in the sky continues to the horseshoe shaped stand that the cello rests against. Painted on the base of the stand is the statue of Peter the Great riding his horse and looking to the west. The cello itself has a hinge and opens up to reveal a traditional red interior. The work is made out of papier mache. It is signed under the lid with the name of the artist, title, village. She also writes that it is an original work (tvorcheskaya rabota).

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.)