The masked couple is an apt subject for husband and wife team, S. A. Ebdokimova and D. V. Belovodov, whose work has been featured in books on lacquerware and museum exhibitions. Enjoying the playfull anonymity of the masked ball, a handsome man in powdered wig and embroidered frock coatwhispers into the ladie's ear. She smiles back, laughing softly, at his suggestion. Her delicate fan is raised demurely, and glistens with mother of pearl beneath the pale pink floral design. The same flowers extend to her magnificent yellow dress, matching the thick pink ribbon of the bodice. Their tiny masks may hide their identities, but their eyes are made all the more expressive by them. The golden embellishment of his jacket and cane glow in the wintry light. An abstrated carriage with heavy gilt ornamentation unfolds behind them, glimpses of bare trees loom gray before a pale blue sky. The scene flows onto the sides of the lid, and the sides of the box bear the continuation of the coach. This box is made of high quality papier mache and is signed on the flush base with the title, artists' names, village, and date of completion. There is a hinge on the left, and the interior is deep red lacquer. An exquisite miniature.--BOX1021

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	9.5

(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.)