Fedoskino lacquer box "Dragonfly on Flowers" – mother-of-pearl & art

This hand-painted Russian lacquer box from Fedoskino features the delicate motif “Dragonfly on Flowers” on a dark background. The intricately detailed wings of the dragonfly are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, causing them to shimmer and appear almost lifelike depending on the light. Combined with the fine blossoms and the deep, dark background color, this creates a high-quality art object that blends traditional Russian miniature painting with decorative natural imagery.

The box is made from traditional papier-mâché, built up in several layers, pressed, dried, sanded, and primed before the lacquer painting is applied. Afterwards, the motif is sealed with multiple layers of clear lacquer, resulting in a high-gloss, smooth surface that permanently protects the mother-of-pearl and colors. With its compact dimensions of 10.0 x 6.3 x 3.7 cm (length x width x height), the lacquer box is ideal for storing jewelry, small keepsakes, or as a decorative piece on a desk, sideboard, or in a display cabinet.

The lid is inscribed in Cyrillic with “Fedlowa,” referring to the artist Fedlowa as the creator of the motif. The Fedoskino origin represents one of the most traditional schools of Russian lacquer miniature painting, known for fine lines, careful detailing, and frequent use of mother-of-pearl inlays for particularly three-dimensional effects. The clear attribution to Fedoskino and a named artist is an important feature for collectors of Russian lacquer art to assess authenticity and quality.

Technically, the Russian lacquer box impresses with a precisely fitting lid, neatly lacquered edges, and an even, deep dark primer that enhances the contrast with the mother-of-pearl and floral motifs. The interior surfaces are lacquered, providing a smooth, easy-care surface on which jewelry or small items can be safely stored. The combination of a sturdy papier-mâché body, multilayer lacquer finish, and inlaid mother-of-pearl creates a robust yet finely crafted collector’s piece designed for long-term use.

The box is aimed at collectors of Russian miniature painting, nature and insect motifs, as well as anyone seeking a special Russian gift with clear provenance. With its nature-inspired motif, mother-of-pearl inlaid dragonfly, and signed work by Fedlowa, this Fedoskino lacquer box is a striking one-of-a-kind piece and a valuable addition to any collection.