How do you identify Russian lacquer boxes?
Look for the telltale “grid-pattern” on the bottom or sides that sometimes shows on an argillite box. This is the track of the machine that forms or presses the sawdust used to make these fakes! Also, examine with a magnifying glass to identify “cutouts”, and the many tiny “dots” that might make up a photo decoupage.
What are Russian lacquer boxes used for?
Russian lacquer boxes are among the most beautiful and distinctive of that country’s art achievements in the 20th century. The boxes feature intricately hand-drawn miniature paintings based on a variety of themes, including fairy tales, poems, country life, troikas, landscapes, battle scenes, and old art masterpieces.
What are Russian lacquer boxes called?
Palekh Boxes are painted with bright paints over the black background and are known for their elongated, graceful figures(as on icons), elaborate gold and/or silver ornamentation applied in fine lines throughout the painting; intricate decorative borders, which often cover the surface of the lids and sides of the …
What is a Palekh box?
Palekh miniature is a Russian folk handicraft of miniature painting, which is done with tempera paints on varnished articles made of papier-mâché (small boxes, cigarette and powder cases etc.). Artists use single-hair brushes, real gold and egg tempera. …
How are Russian lacquer boxes made?
Russian lacquer boxes are made from papier-mache, layers of cardboard glued together and tightly compressed. When it is still wet, the papier-mache is pressed into shapes for making boxes: flat panels and curved pieces. After the box is joined, it is covered in primer, to get it ready for the lacquering stage.
What is a Russian box?
Each Russia Box contains 1 or 2 large items, 5 to 10 small to medium snack items and 1 genuine cultural item. Lifestyle items may include traditional Russian and Eastern European Arts & Crafts, Figurines, Games, Souvenirs, Dishware, Tea Accessories, Matreshkas, Ghzel, Khokhlama, etc.
How do you clean old lacquer boxes?
To remove dust, use a soft brush such as a hake brush. It is safe to use a very slightly damp, soft cloth to further clean lacquer. Never immerse in water. Also, do not use commercial products such as Pledge or Endust, which may permanently ruin the lacquer finish.
Can lacquerware get wet?
Lacquerware is made of natural wood and genuine lacquer. Please do not put lacquerware in a dishwasher, a dish dryer, or a microwave oven. Exposure to water sprayed at high pressure or drying can damage the coating and wood. Everyday use means everyday washing, so lacquerware can be kept moist simply through use.
What kind of boxes are popular in Russia?
The Russian boxes are considered the prime Russian gifts and souveniers that are famous world-wide. Russian boxes come in such unqiue shapes such as mushrooms, furniture, or custom shaped papier-mâché.
Who are some famous Russian lacquer box artists?
Russian lacquer boxes are painted by such artists like Kritov, Zotov, Solodilov and many other famous artists. The Russian boxes are considered the prime Russian gifts and souveniers that are famous world-wide.
Where did the lacquer boxes in Russia come from?
The boxes originate from four primary villages: Palekh, Fedoskino, Kholui, and Mstera. Each village is unique and has its own style which is reflected in the Russian miniature art. Russian lacquer boxes are painted by such artists like Kritov, Zotov, Solodilov and many other famous artists.
When did lacquer painting become popular in Russia?
With the opening of Russia in 1990, the art of Russian lacquer miniature painting has gained worldwide appreciation and these small treasures are highly sought after by collectors.
