Signed Mstera Lacquer Russian Box: Hand-Painted Evening Walk Troika Scene

A beautiful and highly decorative hand-painted Russian lacquer pen box from the renowned village of Mstera, one of Russia’s celebrated centres of lacquer miniature painting.

This elegant panoramic box depicts the titled scene “Вечерняя прогулка” (Evening Walk), showing a spirited troika journey through a picturesque Russian village framed by churches, cottages and flowering trees. The scene is executed in the refined Mstera style, combining delicate brushwork, rich colours and intricate gold ornamentation.

The lower border bears the inscriptions for Mstera, the title “Evening Walk”, and the artist’s signature, believed to read Kocheeva (Кочеева).

Unlike the more commonly encountered square trinket boxes, this longer rectangular form was designed as a pen or desk box and is considerably less common, making it especially desirable to collectors of Russian lacquer art.

The interior is finished in traditional vibrant red lacquer, beautifully contrasting with the deep black exterior and finely painted decoration.

A superb example of traditional Russian folk art that would make a striking display piece for collectors of lacquer miniatures, Soviet decorative arts or fine hand-painted boxes.

Condition

Very good vintage condition.

Light surface wear and minor age-related marks consistent with careful use and age. The painting remains vibrant with excellent colour and crisp detail throughout. The interior is clean and presents very well.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Approximate Size:

Length 20cm
Height 4cm
Depth 6.5cm

Long rectangular pen box.

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Why Collect Mstera?

Mstera has been one of Russia’s most respected centres of lacquer miniature painting since the early twentieth century. Artists are renowned for combining traditional icon-painting techniques with finely detailed scenes inspired by Russian folklore, architecture and rural life. Every hand-painted example possesses subtle individual characteristics, making signed pieces particularly appealing to collectors.