The sun shines through the treetops on a lively outing. A little company has stopped to rest beside a tiny stream, Their baskets full of plump mushrooms. The young man's pipe provides a merry accompaniment to the rushing water and sharp taps of a nearby woodpecker as the young ladies watch, entranced, as the eldest shows them how to weave a wreath of flowers. "Perhaps the dog would like to wear the wreath," she seems to say, prompting a worried look from the dog, and a fit of giggles from a young companion. Another girl reaches hopefully towards the wreath, while a third watches the process carefully over the eldest shoulder. The scene is well painted in soft earth tones, with thoughtfully placed golden accents. The underside of the lid has a small area of uneven color. This box is made of high quality papier mache and is signed on the underside of the lid with the title, artist's name (M. Polyanina), village, and date of completion. It stands on four curved legs. A delightful folk scene. --BOX1286

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.)