Mstera - Box - Papier-mache - USSR - Snegorochka

Mstera Russian lacquer miniature box – “Lel and Snegurochka” – hand-painted papier-mâché

Description
Charming vintage Russian lacquer miniature box from Mstera, hand-painted on papier-mâché and decorated with a scene from the traditional Russian story of Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden).

The miniature depicts Lel and Snegurochka together in a stylised winter landscape, surrounded by snow-covered trees and decorative blue swirling forms. The painting is executed in vivid colours against a deep black ground and is surrounded by fine gold-coloured and white ornamental decoration.

The Cyrillic inscription around the miniature identifies Mstera and the subject “Лель и Снегурочка” – “Lel and Snegurochka.” This subject is documented on other Mstera lacquer miniatures.

The box has an unusual scalloped form, with a raised circular painted medallion on the lid. The exterior is finished in glossy black lacquer, while the interior has the characteristic bright red lacquer finish.

No artist’s name can be read with sufficient certainty from the visible inscription, so the box is offered without a specific artist attribution.

Details
* Origin: Mstera, Russia / USSR
* School: Mstera lacquer miniature
* Subject: Lel and Snegurochka / Лель и Снегурочка
* Material: Papier-mâché
* Technique: Hand-painted lacquer miniature with ornamental gilt decoration
* Interior: Red lacquer
* Weight: 35 g
* Estimated period: Second half of the 20th century, probably circa 1970–1990
* Marked: Yes – inscribed Mstera and title

Comparable documented Mstera boxes with the same Snegurochka and Lel subject are described as papier-mâché with painted lacquer decoration; one documented example is dated 1980–2000.

Condition
Good vintage condition.

The painted miniature remains bright and detailed and the decorative ornamentation is well preserved. There are normal age-related traces of use, including light surface scratches, rubbing and minor wear to the lacquer and decoration.

The red lacquer interior remains in good condition. No significant structural damage is apparent from the photographs.

Please inspect all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.