A kindly clown smiles at the viewer, eyes twinkling with good-natured mischief. A riot of blonde hair contrasts beautifully with the shimmering background in shades of silver and blue. An intricately layered abstract design floats through the thick layers of lacquer, creating depth. The thick band of silver with swirling tendrils which frames the figure is echoed in the shimmering silver bubbles and tiny, painstakingly placed silver foil accents. The theme of bubbles is repeated with a circle of mother of pearl adorned with a silver rim and tiny blue and silver square on the underside of the lid. The accompanying base features the clown's silvery terrier. The soft ripples of its metallic silver and pewter blue fur are a shimmering counterpoint to the geometric background in the same colors. This box is made of high quality papier mache and is signed on the lid with the title, artist's name, Yu. Denisov, and date of completion. There is a hinge at the top, and the interior is turquoise lacquer. It rests on a slightly concave base.--BOX1032

Lacquerbox Condition Ratings

Surface Condition (exterior)	Surface Condition (interior/bottom)	Box Materials and Soundness	Hinge and Lid Placement	Signature	Total Rating	Mother-of-pearl Condition
9.5	9.5	10.0	10.0	10.0	49	9.5

(Each category rated 1-10. For low scores, look for explanation in the description of box. In general, any total rating over 40 is excellent. For more information on rating system, click here.)