A dense tangle of thick golden vines and sumptuous red flowers frame the famous trio of sisters as they prepare for the ball. One stepsister stoops so petite Cinderella can adjust her lacy ruff while the other glances sidelong at an unseen mirror. Cinderella is the tranquil eye in the center of a storm of billowing gowns and stiff petticoats, gazing dreamily at the viewer as she imagines herself at the ball. She absently obeys the frantic requests of her sisters as the rush about in a frenzied last minute burst of adornment and insecurities, hopeful that one of them will catch the attentions of the prince. The scene is beautifully painted, with a wealth of texture and pattern drawing the eye while the careful palette prevents them from being overpowering. The body of the box is painted in a luxurious design of red marble, which continues on the bottom of the box, and is adorned with gold leaf ribbons echoing those of the lid. This box is made of high quality papier mache and is signed on the lid with the artist's name, village, and date of completion. There is a hinge on the left, and the interior is deep red lacquer. The base of this piece is flush. A dazzling work from Mikhail Shelukhin.--BOX1028

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	9.0

(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.)