A beautiful hand-painted Russian lacquer box created in the traditional Mstera lacquer miniature style. The lid depicts a lively Troika winter scene, showing a sleigh pulled by three horses racing through a snowy landscape under a moonlit night sky. Troika scenes are among the most iconic and beloved motifs in Russian folk art and symbolize speed, celebration and traditional winter travel. The composition is executed with fine brushwork, vibrant colors and delicate gold ornamentation typical of the historic lacquer miniature tradition. The piece is signed at the lower edge “Мстёра Трофимова”, indicating it was painted by the artist Trofimova from the renowned lacquer miniature center of Mstera, Russia. Russian lacquer miniatures from Mstera are appreciated collectible objects representing one of the four classical schools of Russian lacquer art.