This work by Tanya Smirnova is a small plate with Jesus Christ drawn in its well, and a quartet of celestial angels, all playing different instruments, drawn around the lip. The tenderness and kindness in which Smirnova paints Christ and all the angels is palpable and speaks to the true nature of Christianity itself. The robes of the two bottom angels are accentuated with fine strokes of silver, while the robes of the two top angels are accentuated with gold. Christ's beard, hair, and clothing are also highlighted with very fine gold lines. The angels sit among leafy small trees and other foliage, gradually giving way to the heavens above with gold stars among the wispy clouds. The rim of the plate is marked by small gold dots. On the bottom of the drawing the artist wrote her name, village and year. The base of the plate is black and in the center are the artist's initials. The plate has a nice lacquer finish on both sides. A lovely spiritual work by a superb Palekh artist.

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.)