Russian Palekh Lacquer Box Firebird Hand Painted Signed Folk Art 13cm Vintage

Beautiful vintage Russian lacquer miniature box decorated with an elaborate hand-painted scene depicting the legendary Firebird, or Zhar-Ptitsa, from Russian folklore.

The lid is inscribed in Cyrillic “Палех” (Palekh) and “Жар-птица” (The Firebird) and bears the artist’s signature “Петручук Е.” (Petruchuk E.).

The miniature is particularly striking, with the brilliantly coloured Firebird hovering above a richly dressed figure surrounded by fantastical foliage and flowers. Fine gold-painted detailing has been used extensively throughout the composition, including the feathers, costume, plants and ornamental border.

The box has the traditional appearance associated with Russian lacquer miniature work, with a deep glossy black exterior contrasting beautifully with the vivid red lacquered interior.

A particularly attractive larger example, measuring approximately:

13 cm long × 8.5 cm wide × 3 cm high

The size gives the artist considerably more space than on many smaller lacquer boxes, allowing the miniature to display beautifully.

Condition:
Vintage condition with noticeable age-related craquelure/crazing across the lacquered lid and painted surface, visible particularly against the black background. There are also minor signs of age and use consistent with a vintage lacquer box. The painted scene remains vibrant, detailed and highly decorative, and the box opens and displays well. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

A wonderful decorative and collectable piece of Russian folk art, particularly appealing to collectors of Palekh lacquer miniatures, Russian fairy-tale art and traditional lacquerware.