This box shows the Russian merchant and adventurer Afanasy Nikitin, who, among other things, traveled to India in the 1400's and wrote about his experiences there. In this Kholui box he stops at seaport - perhaps for some commerce. The scene is colorfully painted, traditional, and aesthetically very pleasing. Twelve nicely drawn figures fill up the scene but it does not at all appear crowded, and in fact the waves of the open sea and the kingdom in back form a nice background. The box has a nicely done ornament around the composition, and another one around the sides. It is made out of high quality paper mache and does not have a hinge. It sits flat without legs, and has red interior. The lacquer is still shiny, though on the sides it has a slight natural texture to it. There is a very small painted-over chip on the sides, as well (on a bottom corner). Signed with the name of the artist, title and village. On the bottom is written "Made in USSR".

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
8.5	9.0	10.0	10.0	10.0	47.5	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.)