"Vasilisa the Beautiful" Russian Lacquer Box

In this magnificent square casket, artist Vera Smirnova paints scenes from the Russian fairy tale "Vasilisa the Beautiful". Baba-Yaga in the center and Vasilisa at the bottom right stand out prominently in their colorful dress. Both figures are highly detailed and provide the necessary focal points for the work. But it's the surrounding forest that provides the mystery and excitement. As your eyes scan over the surface, animals and vegetation are skillfully worked into the drawing and will seem to jump out at you. Indeed, it would be unusual if you didn't find yourself saying things like "I didn't see that" or "wow, that is clever" at least once in awhile. The white, the red, and the black horsemen, meanwhile are pictured at three of the corners and help to contain the sprawling trees and foliage. The box then slants down to the side and on that angle the artist draws Baba Yaga (with her broomstick) and Vasilisa (with her doll) on two of the surfaces. On the other two sides, several black birds are seen sitting on branches, a full moon in the distance. On another side, an owl flies in the crescent-lit moon night. Four more highly detailed scenes adorn the sides on the lower part of the work. Perhaps the cutest side is the one where Vasilisa's doll is shown along with some of her the chores she managed to do. A very lovely gold ornament is incorporated into and around the various images of the sides. The box is made out of high quality paper mache and has a hinge at the top. It sits on four small legs. The interior is red. It has a beautiful lacquer finish inside and out. The box is signed on the top with the name of the artist, village, title and year of completion. Museum quality piece.