"Tale of Tsar Saltan" Russian fairy tale

Artist: T. Shabaeva  
Village:  Palekh 
Size: 4.25" x 3.25" x 1.25"  
Year: 1991

This elegant Russian lacquer box, painted in 1991 near the end of the USSR, depicts a scene from The Tale of Tsar Saltan by Alexander Pushkin. Created in the traditional miniature style, the artwork portrays a royal banquet in a fairytale setting, with richly dressed figures gathered around a table. At the center stand Prince Gvidon and the Swan Princess, now transformed into a radiant maiden. Two graceful swans glide across the water in the foreground, symbolizing her magical origins. Surrounded by gold-accented architecture and intricate detailing, this box captures a moment of joy and transformation—crafted during the final days of the Soviet era, it is both a tribute to Russian folklore and a relic of a fading time.  The name of the artist, year and village are written under the composition. The words "Made in USSR" are written on the bottom of the box.   There is a small spot on the side of lid where the lacquer is a little rough, but the box, in general, is in very good shape with no cracks.