A young woman presents an elegant goblet to a richly dressed noble as her family looks on. The boyar smiles broadly and gives thanks for the hospitality. This scene is based the painting "From the everyday life of the Russian Boyar in the late XVII century" by Konstantin Makovskiy, who also painted the famous "Boyar's Wedding." The original painting was sold at auction for over four million dollars in November of 2007. The rich colors of the original painting are imbued with a honey glow and sparkling golden accents in its translation to lacquer. Tomyricheva has recreated the splendor of the original,with great care to detail. Intricate patterns abound, giving a sense of the oppulence of noble life, while tiny icons and a miniature painting indicate the importance of religion and national pride. The figures are sensitively painted, with realistic and unique expressions bringing each to life. Perhaps the girl is to be married, and being introduced to her prospective father in law, or perhaps the family is entertaining an important guest. An introduction is made as the young woman enters. The seated gentleman certainly seems pleased with the girl's graceful manner and beauty. An older woman whispers encouragement to the young woman between the happy tears indicated by her tender expression and tightly grasped handkerchief. Another woman, half hidden in shadow, watches smiling from the door. Thoughtfully placed golden accents wink and glisten throughout, adding to the opulent feel of the scene. This box is made of high quality papier mache and is signed on the lid with the artist's name and village. There is a hinge at the top, and the interior is red lacquer. The base of the piece is flush.

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.)