Nativity Lacquered Box

Russian artist Irina Kummer executes an exquisite Eastern Orthodox nativity scene which is reproduced on this collectible lacquered box. Decoupage is blended with hand painting at the Golden Cockerel studio in St. Petersburg, Russia, to produce an impressive Russian lacquered box at an incredible price. This hinged jewelry box is depicted on its side for a better view of the lid; the box measures 2"x3"x1". Lacquerware first entered Russia in the 18th century, where it developed its own distinctive style. Starting with papier-mache, a smoother and more stable material than wood, crafts workers assemble the box and apply the red and black lacquer base coats. Next, lacquer artists direct their years of skill and ample patience to the many small and intricate sections of the drawings. This often requires a strong magnifying glass and brushes as fine as a single hair. When finished, the work of art is ready for generations of enjoyment!