Fedoskino Russian Lacquer Box Prince Ivan and The Firebird Firebird, Tsarevich Ivan & Gray Wolf
Description: Gorgeous paper-mache Russian Lacquer Box from the Fedoskino school of lacquer miniatures (The oldest school of this art form in Russia). The box has a hinged lid and closes very well. It is signed Belosvjetov, the famous Fedoskino artist. The lid is decorated with a hand painted miniature showing Ivan with pulling a feather from the firebird's tail, while the bird is flying away. As per the Russian Fairy Tale "Firebird, Tsarevich Ivan and the Gray Wolf" - Ivan sat under the apple tree for several hours with nothing happening. Suddenly the whole garden was illuminated by a radiant golden light. The firebird flew in, her eyes sparkled like huge crystals and her wings were golden flames. She perched herself on the tree and began to pick the apples. Tsarevich Ivan stole up to her softly and tried to catch her. Although he could not hold her, he was able to seize her tail and as the bird flew away, he was left with one luminous feather in his hand." And the story of course continues. The inside of the box is colored in the usual red color used in Russian lacquer boxes.
Date: 1979
Origin: Fedoskino, Russia
Size: 2 1/2" by 6 1/16" and is 1 1/2" high with the lid closed and including the feet.
Maker: Fedoskino Manufactory, Russia- Hand painted by Belosvjetov.
Marks: "Made in USSR" and Fedoskino Design Number "HXM MO1269a" written on the bottom of the box in gold cursive calligraphy.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: Absolutely exquisite design with beautiful vivid colors. Gold and Mother Of Pearl makes this first quality box designed and executed by a master artist a must have to the collector of Russian Lacquer Boxes.
In Closing: The box comes with a Russian paper certificate indicating that it is made in Fedoskino, is signed and has an official stamp. In addition, it comes with a certificate of authenticity from the Dutch dealer who exported it and sold it to the previous owner. Please see photo to appreciate beauty of this authentic first quality box made in the Fedoskino School itself.
Condition: The box is in very excellent condition with no chips, cracks, repairs, hairlines, or crazing. The hinge is in excellent shape and the box closes very well. It has some minor scratches on the bottom and one or two spots where crazing in beginning to appear, but nothing that distracts of the beauty and quality of this wonderful box.
