Hand-drawn miniature paintings on lacquer boxes are among the most beautiful and distinctive achievements in Russian art in the 20th century. These paintings are the most impressive achievements of Russian miniaturists inviting you into the world that is incomparably rich, filled with emotions and mystery. Intricate features of these masterpieces are based on themes from fairy tales, love poems, and folk stories. It can take as long as two months to make a box out of papier. The lacquer boxes get their name from the many layers of lacquer (most often, black and red) that are applied to both outside and inside of the boxes. Coats of clear lacquer, or varnish, are the last layers to be applied, providing that splendid shine to the box that pulls it all together. But it's the impressive miniaturists- techniques that bring real value to the boxes. Gracious lines and bold, bright colors of the paintings unite to create the visual feast your family will enjoy for generations. Artists use strong magnifying glasses and very fine brushes made out of a squirrel tail to draw these wonderful, mesmerizing and other-worldly artworks. Collectibles in high demand at an affordable price, Russian lacquer boxes will transform your house into a refined castle of beauty in its unmistakable richness.

Lacquer miniatures originate in tiny Russian villages northwest of Moscow where villagers work together to create their unique designs. Palekh, Kholui, Mstiora and Fedoskino are the four centers of lacquer art production, each with their own art school and factory, history, traditions and style. They all have distinctive, intricately hand-drawn miniature paintings that are unique to each artist. No two drawings are alike. Masters sign their boxes when the work is finished. Artists use high-magnification glasses and squirrel hair brushes with needlepoint tips to paint these sophisticated in composition and highly detailed pictures. The colors are delicate; the images are drawn in precise lines, with the most appropriate grace and clarity. The traditional technology of lacquer box making and painting is carefully passed on from generation to generation. Lacquer miniatures from different schools may be diverse but all have two things in common: exceptional beauty and superior quality.

The village of Fedoskino is located near Moscow. Fedoskino is a very old village; for about two hundred years it is renowned for miniature paintings on lacquered papier-mache boxes. Fedoskino is the birthplace of Russian lacquer miniatures which style of painting derives from Russian classical paintings and miniatures of the 18th and early 19th centuries and Russian folk arts. This art has been known in Russia since the late eighteenth century when painted boxes from Fedoskino became popular in Russia and Europe. Recognized as supreme artistic creation, in 1923 Fedoskino artwork was awarded the first degree diploma "for preserving the craft". Paris Exhibition diploma was awarded in 1925, and Milan Exhibition diploma was awarded in 1927. Since then, artwork from Fedoskino has been presented in exhibitions of numerous museums of art. The production of lacquered miniatures on papier-mÁchÈ has not changed significantly since the mid-nineteenth century.

Traditionally, Fedoskino painting is realistic in composition and detail. Multiple layers of oil painting, giving pictures a wonderful sense of perspective, are one of the characteristic features of Fedoskino miniatures. Distinct from the ordinary thick oil painting, three to four layers of oil paint are applied, each dried and coated with a transparent glaze, before the completed work is polished. Applying translucent layers of paint over various priming and lining is referred to as "see-through" technique resulting in natural effect of depth and distance, tonal richness and glowing colors. Coats of varnish are applied to every layer of paint. Silver, gold leaf or mother-of-pearl inlays make the colors sparkle from within. Skillful attention to details brings these items to the exclusive world of art. Artists use high-magnification glasses and squirrel hair brushes with needlepoint tips to paint these sophisticated in composition and highly detailed pictures. The colors are delicate; the images are drawn in precise lines, with the most appropriate grace and clarity. The traditional technology of lacquer box making and painting is carefully passed on from generation to generation. Among those who create true Fedoskino masterpieces are families, whose members have been painting miniatures for 5 generations.

Icon-painters from Palekh were famous for their great skills and craftsmanship since the 18th century. Delicate, flowing lines and abundance of golden ornament are the trademarks of the artwork originating from Palekh. Intricacies of both everyday life and major historical events, scenes from fairy tales and images of high spirituality are drawn in this powerful technique which creates the surprising world of beauty and unexpected delights. This is a creative continuation of the traditional techniques used in Russian school of iconography. Sacred images of exquisite colors are often decorated with leaves of gold. Stylized figures are positioned against the dark background. Until now, artists from Palekh use egg tempera medium that is fluid by nature and must be applied thinly in alternating layers of warm and cool colors along with opaque and transparent layers of glaze. Egg tempera has a clean, matte finish and a higher color key than oil. Egg tempera sets up fast enough so the layers of paint may be applied quickly and safely over one another. Glazes are applied to create rich and resonant tones, to modify colors and unify areas.

History of Kholui goes back to the mid-16th century. The first icon-painters of Kholui were monks from the Trinity Monastery, who taught local craftsmen the art of icon painting. The village of Kholui began painting lacquer miniatures in the 1930's, later than Palekh and much later than Fedoskino. Miniature paintings from Kholui represent everyday life, folklore and historic scenes. Stylized in the traditions of iconography, figures are depicted against the background of one solid color, or an artist may fill background with waves of bright tones and shades. Drawings frequently represent everyday life, themes from folk stories and historic scenes. Egg-tempera paint is the primary medium used; mother-of-pearl and silver and gold leaf underlay illuminate pictures with a jeweled elegance. Extensive and delicate scrollwork frames compositions on the lids and wraps around the sides of the boxes.

Mstera is located near Vladimir. Since the 17th century, Mstera has been establishing criteria in Russian icon painting. Today, Mstera is famous for lacquer miniatures. In keeping with the traditions of iconography, egg tempera paints are used. Miniatures from Mstera look more colorful compare to miniatures from other centers of lacquer art. Artists from this school of art almost never choose black scenery. The delicate combinations of elegant colors seem to glow against light blue, pink, golden or ivory backgrounds. Artists draw on the fascinating wealth of Russian folk stories and fairy tales, skillfully interweaving imaginative world with dynamic and elaborate scenes from everyday life and seasonal events such as a winter festival. Landscapes play a more prominent role, with special attention to exquisite floral designs. Designed with an eye to the smallest accents, the powerful aesthetic appeal of this artwork is undeniable.