L. Rodionova is featured in M. Abedil's 2007 book, "Russian Lacquer Miniatures: Kholui, Mstiora, Palekh, Fedoskino." Her work is known for brilliant colors, delicate metallic accents, and lively characters. This scene tells the tale of "The Sun, the Moon, and the Raven." The story begins with an old man asking the sun, moon, and raven to help him find spilled grain by warming him, lighting the way, and gathering the grains, respectively. In return he offers the hands of his daughters in marriage. The old man decides to visit the newlyweds, and is impressed by the talents of each. The sun offers the cook breakfast by placing the pan on his head; The moon sticks a single glowing finger into a hole in the bathhouse and lights the entire building, and the raven offers to fly the old man to his treetop home. The silly old man tries to duplicate each feat in turn, but cannot. The box is beautifully painted with sparkling gold foil, delicate strokes of golden paint, and tiny, carefully placed bits of glitter. Each figure is carefully painted, with distinct and easily readable expressions. This box is made of high quality papier mache and is signed on the lid with the title, artist's name, village, and date of completion. There is a hinge at the top, and the interior is red lacquer. The base of this piece is flush.--BOX1118

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	N/A

(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.)