"Tale of Tsar Saltan" Russian lacquer box

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This radiant hand-painted lacquer box from the village of Mstera depicts a beloved moment from Alexander Pushkin’s fairy tale The Tale of Tsar Saltan. The scene captures the three sisters seated in conversation, each dreaming aloud of what they would do if chosen to marry the tsar. The youngest, in red, who promises to bear him a mighty heir, stands apart — her fate already being sealed as Tsar Saltan listens from the shadows beyond the ornate window.

The box showcases Mstera's signature style: soft, earthy tones over a warm ochre background, ornate architectural detail, and a theatrical framing of the composition. Gold ornamentation highlights the elegant costumes and rich décor, while the finely drawn faces and postures convey storytelling with a painter’s subtlety.

A classic collector’s piece, this box combines literature, folk tradition, and meticulous craftsmanship into one timeless narrative object — a true heirloom of Russian lacquer artistry.