Hand-painted Russian lacquer box made from papier-mache.
It made in a oval shape and measures 3 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 1 1/4 inches.
Signed by the Fedoskino artist Zaitseva.
Fedoskino varnished painting has been guided by the patterns of the Russian classic painting for generations.
It has taken the technique of painting in oils in layers - Scenes of the Russian cheap popular print (Lubok) and old engravings, transposed to the language of the miniature painting, were reflected on boxes, glovers, and snuff boxes. The choice of pictures for copies depended on their popularity in Russian society. Painting included historical and genre-painting, landscapes and portraits. More democratical subjects reflected life of ordinary people, told about folk holidays and festive gatherings in the streets or squares on public holidays.
The smaller details are under a magnifying glass with a one-hair brush. A fragment from the Mowgli story is depicted on the cover of the box. After painting is done eight or more coats of lacquer are applied, each one having dried and being sanded smooth before the next one is applied.

See also jbc:1203

source: eBay