"Going for Water" Russian lacquer box

Artist: Pochanina
Village: Palekh 
Size: 2.5" x 1.5" x 1.25"  
Year: c. 2010

This Russian lacquer box features a delicate hand-painted scene likely inspired by a Russian folk tale or daily village life. Two women in traditional dress are shown carrying water yokes, walking along a flower-covered path between trees, with a quaint village and golden-domed churches visible in the background. The figures are finely detailed, with expressive faces and rich patterns on their garments, typical of the Palekh school.

The scene is framed with a narrow gold ornamental border, and the box's sides are also decorated with elegant gold filigree patterns. The black lacquer base provides a strong contrast that makes the bright colors pop, while the overall composition is both peaceful and graceful.

The box does not have a hinge, and is signed at the bottom of the composition with the name of the artist and village. No date, but we are estimating it was done around the turn of the century. The surface lacquer is good with no cracks with just very light texture from age.  A fine example of Russian lacquer artistry, blending folklore, traditional technique, and decorative elegance.