"Little Humpbacked Pony" lacquer box

Artist:  T. Strunina
Village: Mstera
Dimensions:  2.75" x 3.5"

This whimsical cylindrical lacquer box by Mstera artist T. Strunina is a vibrant tribute to the beloved Russian fairy tale The Little Humpbacked Pony. Uniquely shaped and fully hollow, with a removable domed lid, this hand-painted piece is not only a decorative object but also a functional container for storing small treasures.

The surface bursts with color and narrative. Around the body of the box, Strunina illustrates several key scenes from the tale. We see the humble young peasant Ivan, flute in hand, as he begins his fantastical journey, while nearby the magical humpbacked pony—bright orange and full of personality—leaps playfully across the landscape. Behind them rise fairy-tale buildings with onion domes and towers, painted in warm gold and coral tones, set against a cheerful sky filled with stylized clouds and twinkling stars.

The removable top continues the story in dramatic fashion: Ivan rides the fiery-maned pony through the night sky, passing a comet and a golden palace below. The deep blue background evokes a sense of wonder and magic, while the intricate gold and floral border motifs along the top and bottom edges showcase the meticulous craftsmanship typical of Mstera artistry.

Executed in traditional tempera on papier-mâché, this box combines functionality with narrative charm. Strunina’s composition and palette evoke the classic style of Russian miniature painting while breathing fresh life into this treasured folk tale.