Vintage Russian Hand Painted Lacquer Miniature Box Signed Architectural Scene 6cm

Vintage Russian Hand-Painted Lacquer Miniature Box – Signed Architectural Scene

A charming vintage Russian lacquer miniature box, beautifully hand painted with a colourful architectural scene surrounded by trees and traditional gold ornamentation.

The square black lacquered box measures approximately 6 cm × 6 cm × 3.5 cm and opens to reveal a vivid red lacquered interior characteristic of traditional Russian decorative lacquerware.

The central square miniature depicts an elaborate Russian building with red and ochre architecture, blue onion-shaped domes and a tall green spire, surrounded by stylised trees and foliage. The miniature is set within a raised lacquer border, while delicate gold-painted scrollwork decorates the corners of the lid.

Close examination shows the miniature to be hand painted, with individual brushwork visible throughout the architecture, foliage, highlighting and fine decorative details. A painted signature or inscription is present beneath the scene.

Stylistically, the box belongs to the wider tradition of Russian lacquer miniature painting associated with centres such as Palekh, Mstera and Kholuy. As the inscription has not been confidently deciphered and there is no clearly identifiable workshop mark, I have deliberately not attributed the box to a particular village, workshop or named artist.

Dimensions

Approximately 6 cm × 6 cm × 3.5 cm
Approximately 2.36 × 2.36 × 1.38 inches

Condition

Vintage condition with age-related wear.

There is a noticeable area of chipping/loss to the lower-left corner of the painted miniature and its surrounding lacquer, clearly visible in the close-up photographs. This has resulted in some loss of the black lacquer and painted decoration in this area.

There is also some age-related cracking/separation internally around the hinge area. The hinge remains attached and functional, and the lid opens and closes normally.

Elsewhere there are minor surface marks and signs of wear consistent with the age and nature of the piece. The vivid red lacquered interior remains attractive.

The corner damage has been photographed closely and is reflected in the asking price. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

Despite its imperfections, this remains an appealing example of traditional Russian decorative lacquerware. Its diminutive square form, vivid architectural miniature, hand-painted decoration and surviving painted inscription give it considerably more character than the mass-produced transfer-decorated souvenir boxes frequently encountered.

A lovely addition to a collection of Russian lacquer miniatures, folk art, decorative boxes or small objets d’art.