Russian Lacquer Box: St Isaac’s Cathedral St Petersburg, Mikheev Hand Embellished

A beautifully decorated Russian lacquer box depicting the magnificent St Isaac’s Cathedral in St Petersburg, Russia.

The box measures approximately 10.5 cm × 8 cm × 3.5 cm and is finished in traditional glossy black lacquer with a vivid red interior.

The miniature depicts St Isaac’s Cathedral viewed beyond an ornate St Petersburg street lamp and decorative railings. The architectural composition is extensively enhanced with finely applied gold-painted detail, particularly around the cathedral’s domes, columns and architectural features, as well as the trees and decorative border surrounding the scene.

The box is signed Mikheev (Михеев) to the lower right of the miniature and carries the circular Russian Collection / Русская Коллекция workshop mark to the underside.

Technique

Close examination shows considerable individually applied hand-painted and gilt detailing throughout the composition.

Comparable boxes from this maker/workshop are known to have been produced using a transferred or printed foundation which was subsequently extensively finished and embellished by hand before receiving multiple layers of lacquer. I have therefore described this piece as hand embellished rather than entirely hand painted, as this is the most accurate and transparent description of its construction.

The amount of hand finishing is substantial, with particularly attractive gold detailing visible throughout the architecture, street lamps, foliage and decorative border.

Date & Origin

Russian, most likely dating from the 1990s to early 2000s.

The Russian Collection workshop/organisation was established during the post-Soviet period and produced decorative lacquer work drawing upon the long-established Russian lacquer miniature tradition.

Condition

In good vintage condition overall.

The painted lid presents particularly well, with the miniature and gold decoration remaining bright and attractive. The red interior is clean and vivid and the hinged lid opens correctly.

There are surface scratches and signs of previous handling to the black lacquer, particularly on the underside, together with minor age-related marks around the exterior. These are consistent with a vintage piece and are shown in the photographs.

Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and provide the best representation of condition.

Details

• Origin: Russia
• Workshop: Russian Collection / Русская Коллекция
• Signed: Mikheev / Михеев
• Subject: St Isaac’s Cathedral, St Petersburg
• Material: Lacquered papier-mâché / traditional Russian lacquer-box construction
• Decoration: Printed/transferred foundation with extensive hand-painted and gilt embellishment
• Exterior: Black lacquer
• Interior: Red lacquer
• Approximate size: 10.5 cm × 8 cm × 3.5 cm
• Estimated date: 1990s–early 2000s

A particularly attractive example of post-Soviet Russian decorative lacquer work, combining an immediately recognisable St Petersburg landmark with extensive hand-applied gold detailing.

It would make a lovely addition to a collection of Russian lacquerware, St Petersburg memorabilia or decorative boxes.