On this small box, Palekh artist Tatyana Smirnova paints the image of Saint Pantelemon (All Compassionate), most widely known as the patron saint of physicians because of his power to heal. Smirnova paints Pantelemon in a traditional manner and one can see the kindness in his eyes. The gold in his halo, meanwhile, could not be more striking or radiant (you can see its radiance a little better in the side view of the box here). Fine gold lines beautifully detail the garment of the saint. On each side of the box, in bluish hues, Smirnova paints three individuals, each representing a different generation, and all of which, of course, are shown mercy by this saint of healing. Meanwhile, below the old man at the right is the flame of a single candle burning on, perhaps is symbolic of life's journey. The combination of the traditional icon image and the more modern drawing that surrounds it is quite lovely, to asy the least. The composition is framed by a dot gold dot ornament, and a gold and silver ornament decorates the sides. The box is signed at the bottom of the drawing with the name of the artist, title, village a 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.)