Beautiful and impressive Russian lacquer box, hand painted in traditional style with a vivid scene from Russian folklore. The composition depicts the legendary Bogatyr Ruslan, the heroic knight known from the epic tale Ruslan and Lyudmila. Ruslan is shown on horseback with spear, riding past the mysterious giant bearded head – one of the most iconic scenes from the story. The lower inscription appears to read “Bog. Ruslan” (Bogatyr Ruslan), reinforcing the attribution. The box is richly decorated with fine ornamental borders and vibrant colours against a deep black lacquer ground. Interior finished in traditional red lacquer. Likely produced in the late Soviet / early post-Soviet period (circa 1980s–1990s), in the tradition of Russian lacquer schools such as Palekh, Mstera or Kholui. Exact workshop attribution uncertain, though stylistically closest to the Mstera / Kholui decorative tradition. A highly decorative and collectible example of Russian lacquer art. ⸻ Condition Good vintage condition with age-related wear. * Craquelure / lacquer crackling visible to surface * Some edge chips / small losses * Light scratches and handling wear * Interior in good condition * Hinges functioning properly Please inspect photos carefully. ⸻ Dimensions * Length: approx. 16 cm * Width: approx. 10 cm * Height: approx. 4.5 cm * Weight: approx. 241 g ⸻ Material Hand-painted lacquered papier-mâché / compressed fibre composition, traditional for Russian lacquer boxes. ⸻ Dating 1989