Vintage 1988 Russian Lacquer Box Kholui Signed Troika Winter Scene Original Box For Sale

Vintage 1988 Russian Lacquer Box Kholui Signed Troika Winter Scene Original Box📋 Item SpecificsFieldValueTypeRussian Lacquer BoxVillage / StyleKholuiYear of Production1988SubjectRussian Troika / Sleigh, Winter Village, Festive DanceDimensions9\" L x 6 1/4\" W x 4\" H (Large Footed Chest)MaterialPapier-Mâché, Multi-layer Lacquer, Egg Artist Signed, Original Patterned Box IncludedCountry/Region of ManufactureSoviet Union (USSR / Russian Federation)📝 Item DescriptionTitle:Large Vintage 1988 Russian Lacquer Box – Traditional Winter Troika Scene
Artistic Style/Village:Kholui school
Dated:1988
Dimensions:Large size measuring 9\" Long x 6 1/4\" Wide x 4\" HighOverviewUp for sale is a beautifully scaled, authentic vintage1988 Russian lacquer boxhandcrafted during the late Soviet era. This prominent footed chest features an expertly painted traditionalRussian Troika—a three-horse team pulling a sleigh through a snow-covered winter village.The vibrant scene captures a joyous festive moment: an elegant woman in a radiant red dress leaps gracefully from the sleigh, dropping her water buckets into the snow while onlookers smile against a backdrop of historic orthodox church spires and snow-laden log cabins (izbas). The border features a highly detailed, continuous metallic gold and pale green foliate scrollwork pattern framing the scene, complemented by intricate floral medallions painted on the side panels.Signatures & Authenticity

• Front Script:The painting features precise hand-written Cyrillic annotations along the lower gold border. The bottom left specifies the date1988beside the artist tracking details. The bottom right features the signature mark identifying theKholui workshop provenance.
• Original Box:Uniquely, this item comes accompanied by itsoriginal patterned protective retail boxfrom 1988, an exceptional bonus that is rarely preserved with these lacquer pieces.

Condition Report

• Artwork & Lacquer:The top hand-painted miniature vignette is inbeautiful vintage shape. The colors are vivid, the egg tempera details are sharp, and the gloss remains highly reflective.
• Surface Considerations:The box shows typical, minor signs of light vintage shelf handling. Faint surface scuffs are visible upon close inspection on the solid black lacquered underside base. The interior features a bright, clean, original red-orange protective lacquer lining. Structurally, the hinges, corners, and carved feet are completely sound with no deep chips, fractures, or cracks.

🎨 Village Background & Rarity ContextThe Art of Kholui LacquerAlongside Palekh, Fedoskino, and Mstera, the village ofKholuiis one of the four legendary historic centers of Russian miniature lacquer painting. Emerging from centuries-old icon painting traditions, Kholui artists are world-renowned for using handmade egg-tempera paints mixed with real gold leaf on compressed papier-mâché bases. Kholui miniatures are uniquely celebrated for their fluid movement, realistic human expressions, and lush landscape backgrounds compared to the more rigid geometric styles of neighboring villages.Rarity & Market Value Factors

• The Sizing Factor:At9 inches long, this is classified as a large cabinet chest rather than a small trinket or pillbox. Large-scale multi-figure compositions require weeks of microscopic brushwork, making them far more valuable to collectors.
• The Original Box Advantage:Papier-mâché boxes are highly susceptible to moisture and corner dents. Retaining the factory-issued patterned cardboard housing box from 1988 adds a critical layer of structural history and instantly upgrades its desirability as a complete gift.

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