Russie impériale - Vishnyakov - Cigarette case - RARE - lacquered papier-mâché - The Kiss on the Staircase

RARE, Vichniakov – Russian papier-mâché lacquered cigarette case – “Kiss on the Staircase” – ca. 1890
Description
Rare lacquered papier-mâché Russian cigarette case attributed to the Vichniakov workshops (Vishnyakov), Imperial Russia, probably manufactured at Ostashkovo, Moscow Province, in the late 19th century.
The top face is adorned with a polychrome narrative gallant scene, depicting a couple in historical costumes kissing on a staircase, while a third person observes from an opening. A small illuminated window appears in the upper part of the composition.
This scene closely matches a workshop model by Vichniakov known under the title “Kiss on the Staircase,” of which another variant, inverted in composition, was presented at ADER, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, in 2014.
The exterior is black lacquered, while the interior is entirely red lacquered and retains its elastic retaining band.
Inside there is a very faded factory mark, composed of several medallions. Its structure is compatible with marks used by the V. O. Vichniakov factory at the end of the 19th century. Comparable marks bearing awards from the 1882, 1885 and 1887 exhibitions are generally dated to 1887–1896.
Characteristics
Origin: Imperial Russia
Manufacturer: Ateliers Vichniakov / Vishnyakov
Dating: around 1890, probably 1887–1896
Material: papier-mâché, black and red lacquer
Decoration: polychrome oil painting
Dimensions: approx. 11 × 8 cm
Interior: red lacquer
Mark: very faded Vichniakov mark
Subject: “Kiss on the Staircase” / gallant scene
Provenance
The object was presented at public sale by Alexandre Landre, Paris, Russian and Orthodox World Art auction, 26 August 2026, lot 31, where it was described as:
“Cigarette case from the O. V. Vichniakov ateliers, black lacquer and red interior, adorned with a gallant scene. Vichniakov mark, circa 1880.”
State
Good overall condition considering its age, with wear, lacquer cracks, small scuffs and signs of time.
The main painting remains legible, colorful and particularly decorative.
The interior mark is heavily worn but still perceptible.
Please consult the photographs carefully, which are an integral part of the description.
Historical commentary
The Vichniakov ateliers are among the great Russian lacquered papier-mâché manufacturers of the 19th century, alongside Lukutin. Their painters regularly drew inspiration from Russian and European paintings, engravings and lithographs.
The composition of this case also shows iconographic affinities with the famous Kiss by Francesco Hayez, widely reproduced in the 19th century, though no exact graphic source can currently be asserted.