Russian Lacquer FEDOSKINO Portrait Box THE OLENINS BY Yakunin A5

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Warm Welcome "THE OLENINS" by Yakunin Russian Lacquer Box . The original of this portrait of Grigory and Varvara Olenin was done in watercolor and pencil by Karl Briullov in 1827 and now hangs in Moscow's Tretyakov Gallery. It shows Grigory Nikanorovisch Olenin (1797-1843) and his wife, Varvara Alexeyevna Olenina (1802-1877) who was the daughter of Alexei Olenin, the president of St. Petersoburg Academy of Arts where Briullov studied. The dual portrait has been faithly recreated on this paper mache case by Yakunin. Fine gold filigree borders the hinged top of the box, lacquered in soft greys to resemble stone. Fedoskino. Measures 5.125" x 3.75" x 1.125" This box appears to be in excellent to mint condition with nothing to complain about at all. A small amount of paint off of the hinges on the back which is completely normal. (see photos for detail, please ask questions if you have any) Please see photos for better detail. We do consider our photos to be 95% of our description. About Russian Paper Mache Lacquer Boxes Traditional Russian Lacquer Boxes are made of paper mache , combining a process of rolled and shaped cardboard. After a lengthy drying process, the boxes are lacquered, painted, and lacquered again, traditionally finished with a coat of black lacquer on the outside and red on the inside before painting. Painting the lacquered boxes can be very time consuming, with some of the more intricate ones taking as much as a year to paint . Artists from the 4 different schools have been trained in a particular style, and even use different paints. All of them use gold leaf for the scroll work that adorns the border, and sometimes you will find Mother of Pearl in the designs. The 4 Art Centers are: 1. Fedoskino - Highly Collectible. This is the oldest of the styles originating in the 18th Century. The use of vibrant colored oil paints, typically applied in several layers,and the realistic style is a distinctive feature of a Fedoskino . Mother-of-pearl, gold or silver leaf that is hand applied under segments of the background are also common, used to create glowing or shimmering sparkle effects. 2. Palekh - Originating around 1923, this style uses egg tempra paints (as do the other 2 centers) in the old style of Russian Orthodox Icon Painting. Many Icon painters joined this school after the Revolution left them jobless. Palekh paintings are known for their delicate and intricate design with rich gold shading. The designs usually cover the entire surface of the lids and sides of the boxes or other article being painted. 3. Kholui - The newest of the Schools, the original artists tried to model a school of style after their teachings of Icon Painting, but in the newer styles of Palekh and Mstera. It wasn't until 1959 that people started recognizing this school for the red, green, and cherry colored backgrounds instead of just the traditional black lacquer. Today the Kholui Style is best known for the use of a blue-green palette, pieces painted with various shades (hues) of green . This is the most distinguishing aspect of an Authentic Kholuei Lacquered Box. 4. Mstera - The Mstera paintings usually represent characters from real life, folklore, literary and history works. The paints used are temperas mixed with egg, and most are signed by the Artist, with the name of the Village where the Mstera School is located, and the name of the piece in gold. Look for Warm Colors, depth of landscape backgrounds (often with blue dales in the back), small, squat people, and a subtlle pattern for the frame done in gold: typical for the Mstera Lacquered Boxes (and other miniatures). Please note: We do not ship first class international because there is no tracking or insurance available - Priority Mail is the best we can do for international customers.....please do not lower our shipping rating because we have no control over this option - no tracking and no insurance is too much of a risk. Also note, that the items we sell are usually VERY FRAGLILE and require the best ... read more

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