This lacquer box has a theme that we just can quite get a handle on. The box is titled "Cat Bayun" and probably comes from the fairy tale of the same name. However, my wife, who is Russian, wasn't so familiar with this one, and the tale by that name which we saw on the internet does not quite seem to match the drawing on the box. (You can read that one here.) So perhaps one of our visitors can shed some light on what is going on in this scene? In any case, the box is beautifully drawn, full of vivid colors and great details. Radiant touches of gold enhance various parts of the scene, and the same gold makes up a elaborate ornament on the top and sides. The box has a hinge and a red interior. The bottom is gentle curved at the edges so that it rests on four legs. It is signed on the bottom with the name of the artist, village and title.

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.)