1973 Palekh Russian Lacquer Box 3-Horse Drawn Sled or Troika Signed Ryedouov
Description: This is a nice rectangular paper-mache or papier-mache Russian Lacquer Box with a hinged lid. The box was made at the Palekh school of miniature painting. The lid of the box is decorated with a hand painted colorful miniature image of a man and a woman in a 3-hoorse drawn sled, or what is known in Russia as a Troika. The design is rather well done and very colorful. The box is signed "V. Ryedouov" and dated 1973 along the bottom edge of the lid. There is also the number 96 after the signature, which we believe is the design number in the school's catalog. The bottom of the piece was marked with what we believe is Made in USSR and most likely the logo of the Palekh manufactory but this has been almost completely scrapped off as can be seen in the photos. The box was definitely made at the Palekh miniature manufactory/school judging by the quality of the artwork. The box shows wonderful detail and beautiful colors; A true beauty and a very seldom seen box in subject and shape. The inside of the box is colored in the usual red color used in Russian lacquer boxes, except the coloring is matt as opposed to being the ususal brilliant color, we are not certain why. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: The box is dated 1973.
Origin: Palekh, Russia.
Size: The box measures ~6 3/4" by ~4" and is ~1 3/4" high when closed. The box weighs slightly over 8.5 ounces.
Artist: V. Ryedouov.
Marks: The box is signed "V. Ryedouov" and dated 1973 along the bottom edge of the lid. There is also the number 96 after the signature, which we believe is the design number in the school's catalog. The bottom of the piece was marked with what we believe is Made in USSR and most likely the logo of the Palekh manufactory but this has been almost completely scrapped off as can be seen in the photos. See photos for additional details.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A nice and well done design with beautiful vivid colors. Gold and tempera make this nice box a very good addition to your collection of Russian Lacquer Boxes.
Condition: The box is in good acceptable condition. The box has no cracks, breaks, repairs, hairlines, or crazing to the lacquering. The art work on top of the lid is intact, beautiful, well executed, and in ok shape with no losses or fading. The hinge works well and is intact and the interior is clean with a matte red coloring rather than the usual vivid bright red, but exhibits no losses. The interior has a few minor dark stains. The top of the box has scuff marks as well as lines which appears to have been the result of running a pointed metal object over the drawing which did not scratch the design but left marking on it (see first phot). The bottom of the box we believe had marking that said Made in USSR and most likely the logo of the Palekh manufactory but this has been almost completely scrapped off as can be seen in the photos. The entire box shows scuff marks and scratches, which are there but the box is still very nice. Because of these issues we are selling the box AS IS at a fraction of its true value. A nice 50-year-old Russian lacquer box to add to your collection at a reasonable price. Please view the photos for additional condition information.
