Show all images on one page	#001068 Title: Summer Troika Artist: Smirnova O.P. Size: 15.5x11x5 Price : $245 SOLD!

This beautiful box showing a summer troika has been painted by Fedoskino painter Smirnova O.P. This subject is traditional for Russian lacquer miniature art. This tradition sprang from the very beginning of lacquer ware production in Russia when the first lacquer workshop was founded by Petr Korobov in the village of Danilkovo (now Fedoskino). At that time the themes of peasants' everyday life were very popular among painters. Then troikas (carriages drawn by three horses) were used as modes of long distance transportation and troika stations were built on all of the main roads between all the major cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, and so on. During the long winter months taking a troika ride for fun was a common practice.
The composition is painted in bright colors against the black background, and this contrast makes the central image look expressive and colorful. The black background also helps to reproduce the nighttime sky. Metallic gold powder used in the depiction of characters' clothes illuminates the image beautifully and makes the lacquered surface shine. Gold is also used for the depiction of horses' harness. Metallic aluminum powder is applied to reproduce the dusty road and green meadow lit by the moon. The entire drawing is very-well draw with a lot of details. The horses are very dynamic in their appearance. Each one has been given its own personality. Homes in the background are painted to give perspective and a sense of freedom in the area, which the troika is riding through.
The box is constructed of high-grade paper-mache. The sides of the box are decorated with a wonderful pattern painted in gold and aluminum. The pattern is neat, thin, intricate and complex. The exterior is painted with black lacquer and the interior is painted with red lacquer. The interior includes the Fedoskino "troika" insignia stamped in orange paint on the roof of the lid. A hinge has been fastened to the top of the composition for ease of opening. The box sits flat. It is signed with the artist's name, village, and year (2000).