The Tsar's army returns from a long campaign, anxious to get home. A soldier at the front of the caravan gestures anxiously at the rapidly sinking sun, irritated that a straggler may prevent them from reaching the palace by nightfall. Unfortunately, it is no ordinary straggler, but the Tsar himself who is holding things up! The Tsar of the Sea caught hold of his beard as he leaned down to drink, and refuses to let go! The scene is beautifully painted in bright, crisp colors with lots of fine golden accents. This box is made of high quality papier mache and is signed on the lid with the title, artist's name (V. V. Shutov), and village. There is a hinge at the top, and the interior is red lacquer. It stands on four curved legs. A lively work. --BOX1270

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.)