Please note: This exact box has already been sold, however Ms. Smirnova has graciously agreed to do a similar one. Some of the details may be slightly different, but the composition and spirit of the piece will remain the same. Depending on her work load, the normal time frame for this will be 3-6 months. She will be painting it just for you, and will allow the possibility for a minor change in the box should you desire one. We will guarantee that it will look as good or better than the one here. If you are not happy with the box you receive for any reason, we will gladly refund the total amount paid. A down payment of 50% will be required for her to start work.

One of the most successful images in a long time showing the Snow Maiden was painted here by Palekh artist Vera Smirnova. Father Frost stands boldly with his staff to his left, while Faerie Spring looks on at the right. In the center, the Snow Maiden is about to melt in the sun's rays because of the love she found, and the scene might be sad... if it wasn't so gorgeously depicted. Smirnova does some simply incredible gold work in this one, from the radiance in the gold rays to the tiny details throughout. It is always hard to capture with pictures the gold in the lacquer boxes, and this one was no exception. In person, the gold is uniformly brilliant and immediately draws one's attention. The beautiful faces on all the people that Smirnova paints, and is known for, adds to the beguiling aura of this work. The box has a fine gold ornament around the sides, set against a traditional black background. The box is signed with the name of the artist, village, title and year. A few similar works were done in the past by Smirnova like this one, and one of them graces the cover of a recent book on Russian lacquer boxes.. Each depiction, though, is quite unique with individual differences throughout. Sensational!

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.)