Russian lacquer box
Date: 1934-1944
Inventory Number: MUS-117-0014
Classification: Box
Subject:
Dimensions:
3 × 14.9 × 5.7 cm (1 3/16 × 5 7/8 × 2 1/4 in.)
Material:
Description:
Painted papier-mache rectangular hinged box. The outside of the box is painted in black lacquer paint. The four sides include a simple painted gold design, much like a two part braid. The top of the box has a delicately painted scene of three horses, painted in orange and red, pulling a sleigh. The orange-ish yellow sleigh is carrying three figures, one standing man who is controlling the horses reins and two seated passengers. The painted horses, figures, and sled are outlined in fine gold and accented with green paint. Surrounding the figures is a simple dry brush application of gold paint. The internal color of the box is painted in red lacquer. The entire box is coated in several layers of clear lacquer.
In Collection(s)
SignedSigned: Ковшов А. (english: Kovshov A.) in lower right-hand corner
Inscribedтройка (english: Troika)
FunctionJewelery trinket box or decorative box for display
Curatorial RemarksThe artist of this box is Alexander Vasilyevich Kovshov. He was born in 1918 in the village of Dyaghilevo. He studied and worked at the "Artel of Ancient Painting” (a craft collective). He was drafted as a soldier of the Red Army in World War II on January 31, 1941 and disappeared (MIA) in June 1944. He had participated in exhibitions since 1933. His works are available at the State Museum of Palekh Art (GMPI), the Central Museum of the Revolution, the All-Russian Museum of Alexander Pushkin, and others.
Palekh is the most famous of the three villages (Kholui, Mstera, and Palekh) in which Russian lacquer boxes originated. The Artel of Early Painting, a craft collective for Palekh painters was established in Palekh in 1924. The Palekh style of painting became an integral part of Soviet applied arts with the establishment of a four-year training program. Exhibitions dedicated to Palekh lacquer boxes were held throughout the 1930s.
Russian lacquer boxes feature a delicate and elegant miniature style, painted on the lids of lacquered, papier-mâché black boxes with red interiors. The subjects depict Russian fairy tales, legends, and folk heroes.
The theme of this Russian lacquered box is a Troika which was a type of transportation in the early days of Russia. A Troika is a three horse carriage which allows the rider to quickly maneuver through difficult winter terrain. It was an ideal transport for hard Russian winters.
Palekh is the most famous of the three villages (Kholui, Mstera, and Palekh) in which Russian lacquer boxes originated. The Artel of Early Painting, a craft collective for Palekh painters was established in Palekh in 1924. The Palekh style of painting became an integral part of Soviet applied arts with the establishment of a four-year training program. Exhibitions dedicated to Palekh lacquer boxes were held throughout the 1930s.
Russian lacquer boxes feature a delicate and elegant miniature style, painted on the lids of lacquered, papier-mâché black boxes with red interiors. The subjects depict Russian fairy tales, legends, and folk heroes.
The theme of this Russian lacquered box is a Troika which was a type of transportation in the early days of Russia. A Troika is a three horse carriage which allows the rider to quickly maneuver through difficult winter terrain. It was an ideal transport for hard Russian winters.
ProvenanceAlexander Kovshov, Palekh, Russia, c. 1935-1944; Eyvind Earle, New York, NY, c. 1970-2000; Mrs. Joan Earle (his widow), Carmel, CA, 2000-2006; transferred to Estate of Eyvind Earle, Monterey, CA, c. 2006-2010, gift to Candace Christiansen, Monterey, CA, 2010.
Published References“Miniature Masterpieces: Russian Lacquer Boxes,” Museum of Russian Icons, www.museumofrussianicons.org/miniature-masterpieces/.
palekh-artschool.ru/-news/book_memory.pdf