"Swan Princess" lacquer box

Artist: Ts.A. 
Village: Palekh style 
Size: 3.75" x 3.75" x 1.25"  
Year: 1987

This Russian lacquer box, painted in 1987, is made of metal and bears a USSR export sticker on the bottom with the words "handpainted" and article number. The artwork depicts a radiant scene from the fairy tale "The Swan Princess", a popular subject in Russian folklore and lacquer miniature tradition.

At the center stands the Swan Princess herself, dressed in an elegant flowing red gown and golden crown, her arms gracefully extended as white swans soar around her in a beautifully arched interior. The architectural background—pillars, arches, and tiled green flooring—adds depth and regal atmosphere to the composition, while the swirling motion of the swans lends it an ethereal, magical quality.

The painting is surrounded by a thin, delicate gold border, typical of lacquer miniatures. The box still has nice glossiness, and has a traditional red inside.  It is a lovely example of late Soviet-era artistry—blending folklore, decorative elegance, and export craftsmanship into a collectible miniature that captures the enchantment of Russian fairy tales.