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Vintage Russian Lacquer Box – Mstera Hand-Painted Papier-Mâché – 8” x 5” x 2”
This is a hand-painted Russian lacquer box from Mstera, one of the four famous lacquer miniature villages of Russia (along with Fedoskino, Kholui, and Palekh).
• Design: The scene is titled “Генерал Топтыгин” (“General Toptygin”), a character from Russian satirical folklore. It features a traditional troika (three horses pulling a sleigh) with vivid detailing, bordered in intricate gold scrollwork.
• Materials: Papier-mâché base, multiple layers of lacquer, hand-painted in tempera with fine gold accents.
• Size: 8” long x 5” wide x 2” tall.
• Interior: Classic deep red lacquer finish.
• Markings: Signed by the artist in Russian (lower right corner), village name “Мстера” (Mstera) in lower left. Comes with its original certificate.
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition, minimal wear consistent with age.
Mstera lacquer miniatures are highly collectible and represent centuries of Russian icon-painting tradition adapted into decorative art. This box would make a wonderful addition to any collection of Russian folk art or a special gift.
