Palekh Lacquer Box - Lel the Shepherd Piper
A hand-painted Palekh (Палех) lacquer box on the theme of Lel, the golden-haired shepherd from The Snow Maiden (Снегурочка) — the spring fairy tale by Ostrovsky that Rimsky-Korsakov turned into an opera. Lel stands beneath a silver birch in a flame-orange tunic, playing his pipe by moonlight, while a fair-haired maiden in a blue sarafan spins flax on a bench outside a timber izba, her thread trailing to the spindle at her feet. Leafy green trees, a crescent moon and blue night-clouds frame the scene.
Painted in the traditional Palekh manner: egg-tempera miniature on black-lacquered papier-mâché, with gold-leaf highlights and a hand-drawn gold filigree border. Lettered in gold along the bottom edge: "Палех" (Palekh), the title "Лель", and the artist's initials Г.Н. (G.N.).
Lel is the spirit of spring and youthful love in Slavic folklore — the shepherd whose songs melt hearts, and, in the tale, the Snow Maiden's herself. A charming gift for lovers of Russian folklore, opera or fairy tales, or a keepsake box for rings and small treasures.
Signed Г.Н. · Palekh, Russia · Hand-painted · Papier-mâché with lacquer finish
Size 13 × 11 × 5 cm (5" × 4" × 2") · Weight 176 g (6.2 oz)
Specifications
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