The French word "papier-mâché" literally translates as "chewed paper,"
however, the papier-mâché used for a Russian lacquer box
is produced in a much more complicated process. Despite their
delicacy and seeming fragility, papier-mâché products
are very durable and functional. In fact, papier-mâché,
as it is produced for a true Russian lacquer miniature, is more
stable than wood as it has no grain and will not warp or crack. An
authentic Russian lacquer box produced using traditional techniques
and materials can travel anywhere in the world and it will not be
affected by the climate.
Note: * It should be noted that the majority of painted boxes sold in the open
markets of Russia are not made of properly processed
papier-mâché.
Boxes and other objects are made of
cardboard sheets, pressed and formed, then boiled in linseed oil.
This papier-mâché is then baked in an oven. At this
point the material can be worked like wood. Trained joiners assemble
the boxes, applying hinges and two coats of primer-paint. The blank
is then oven dried and given to the artist to begin the painting.
Extremely fine brushes are used to achieve the fine lines and details
in each painting. Artists prefer to make their own brushes and mix
their own pigments. A quality lacquer miniature may take several
months to complete.
Below is a step-by-step illustration of
the making of a Russian lacquer box in the village of Fedoskino. The
same techniques and materials are used in Palekh, Mstera, and Kholui
until it comes time to do the painting.
Note: Photos and text below are taken from the book "Masters of Fedoskino" by
Nadezhda Krestovskaya
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The base of papier-mâché is pure wood pulp
cardboard manufactured in strict compliance with the
original formula.
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The cardboard is cut in strips according to the
measurements of the shape and form of the future
product.
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Paste is spread on the strips of cardboard.
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The strips of cardboard are wound around special forms.
The forms are put under pressure for an extended period of
time.
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The pressed cardboard, which has taken the shape of the form, is
dried under specific conditions for twenty to thirty days. The
roll, which becomes the body of the future article, is complete.
The plates are pasted to make the bottoms and lids.
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When the rolls and the plates have dried, they are soaked in a
special bath of hot linseed oil.
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Then, they are dried in ovens at a high temperature.
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The rolls and the plates are cut to make a semifinished product.
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The nature of this light and durable material allows the craftsmen
to smooth the product with a special sanding machine.
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The lids and the bottoms are glued in place. The semifinished
product is shaped into the desired form.
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The product is sanded smooth.
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Handmade custom brass hinges attach the lid to the body of the box.
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The product is puttied to fill imperfections...
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... and coated with several layers of primer.
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Each layer is dried in special cabinets.
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The product is hand polished to obtain an absolutely smooth surface.
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The outside of the product is painted with several coats of black lacquer.
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The inside of the article is painted with several coats of red lacquer.
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Each layer is dried. Altogether, no less than thirty layers of
lacquer and paint are applied to each product. The entire process,
from cutting the cardboard to the final polishing, requires four to
six months.
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At this stage, the miniaturists begin their creative work. The
lacquer painting is done with oil paints (egg tempera in Palekh,
Mstera, and Kholui), utilizing a three-dimensional layered process.
This technique is peculiar to the Fedoskino craft.
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Numerous sketches and studies are required. First a drawing is made
on paper, then copied on to tracing paper.
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Next, the drawing is transferred from the tracing paper to the lid
of the box using chalk to create an outline of the basic
composition.
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A metallic ground such as aluminum powder or gold leaf is applied.
In some cases mother-of-pearl may be inlaid.
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The basic colors are applied in the first layer of the painting.
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The painting is covered with several layers of lacquer and allowed to dry after each application.
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The artist proceeds to apply the second layer of the painting in a
more defined manner and all details are given careful attention.
Each layer is given a coat of lacquer and dried.
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The third and final layer is applied to highlight certain areas and
to deepen shades.
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The ornamentation of the body consists of a gold border applied
around the lid or sides. This ornament is hand painted.
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A lacquer miniature can also be decorated with tiny scales of metal
foil or gold leaf inlaid. This decorative technique is called
"skan."
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Another widely used type of ornament is a grid imitating Scotch
cloth. Ornamental lines of different colors are applied to the
product using a drawing pen and a ruler.
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When the painting of a product is completed and the paint is dry,
it is given several coats of transparent lacquer.
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Each coat of lacquer is dried in an oven with high temperature.
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The final step in the lacquer miniature process is the polishing.
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The final hand polishing of a product achieves a mirror-like luster.
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