A beautiful hand-painted Palekh lacquer miniature box from Russia, featuring a vivid folk scene of riders on horseback beneath a starry night sky. These traditional boxes are painted by hand using tempera and fine gold detailing over papier-mâché and finished with layers of lacquer.
This example shows two riders traveling together, rendered in the delicate elongated style that made the Palekh school of lacquer painting famous. Fine gold scrollwork borders the scene, and the base is finished in classic black lacquer with a red interior.
The painting is signed and marked “Palekh” (Палех), identifying the historic village known for producing Russia’s most celebrated lacquer miniatures.
Pieces like this were produced during the Soviet era and exported worldwide as collectible decorative art. Today they are sought after by collectors of Russian decorative arts, miniature painting, and folk illustration.
Perfect as a jewelry box, trinket box, desk accent, or display object.
Details • Authentic Palekh lacquer miniature • Hand-painted tempera on lacquered papier-mâché • Signed by the artist • Marked “Palekh” (Палех) • Black lacquer exterior with red interior • Hinged lid • Soviet era (circa 1970s–1980s)
Condition Very good vintage condition with light surface wear consistent with age. Hinges intact and lid closes properly.
Dimensions Approx. size: 3 in. wide, 2 in. deep, 3.5 in. high
A beautiful example of Russian miniature painting and lacquer artistry.
