Fine vintage Russian lacquer miniature box from Mstera, hand-painted on papier-mâché and depicting a scene from “Mtsyri”, the celebrated narrative poem by Russian writer Mikhail Lermontov. The miniature shows the central figure of Mtsyri surrounded by a dramatic, highly stylised Caucasian landscape with trees, mountains and animals. The composition is executed in the colourful and decorative manner associated with the Mstera school of Russian lacquer miniature painting, with delicate gilt ornamentation framing the scene. The inscription along the lower edge reads: “Мстера” – “Мцыри” – “Б.В.” Mstera – “Mtsyri” – B.V. The initials B.V. appear to identify the painter or decorator; the full name has not been established. The box has a traditional black lacquer exterior and a contrasting bright red lacquer interior. Mstera lacquer miniatures were traditionally produced in tempera on papier-mâché, and the Mstera centre itself states that its traditional objects are marked with the place of manufacture and artist information. Despite the visible age-related wear, this is a visually striking example with a particularly colourful and expressive literary composition. Details Origin: Mstera, USSR / Russia School: Mstera lacquer miniature Title: Mtsyri / Мцыри Subject: Scene from Mikhail Lermontov’s poem Mtsyri Marking: Мстера – “Мцыри” – Б.В. Artist: Initialled B.V., full identity currently unknown Material: Lacquered papier-mâché Technique: Hand-painted tempera / lacquer miniature with gilt decoration Weight: 159 g Estimated period: circa 1960–1980 Condition Fair to good vintage condition, with visible signs of age and use. There are several chips and losses to the corners and edges of the lid, in places exposing the underlying papier-mâché. The lacquer surface shows scratches, rubbing and general age-related wear. There are also signs of use inside the red lacquered interior. Importantly, the main painted composition remains substantially intact, vibrant and highly decorative, and the inscriptions along the lower edge remain legible. The condition and damaged areas are clearly shown in the photographs and form an integral part of the description.