How can I be assured that I will be receiving an authentic and high quality lacquer box or Matryoshka doll online?

We do attempt to get the best boxes and dolls directly from Russia. We do this by purchasing them from artists directly, through a partner in Moscow. We do research on the pieces that we purchase, and verify the authenticity of the piece. One means of doing this is by going directly to the artist, our partner is an artist. She contacts the artists about the piece and about their work in general. She selects the work and checks the quality.

Who collects Russian Lacquer and the Matryoshka art?

You would be surprised at the variety of people who collect Russian lacquer miniature art and the nesting dolls, and their stories behind how they began. Some begin because the art expresses their already established love for Russian literature. For others it displays their love for Russian culture. For most collectors, it is the appreciation for the enormous talent that Russian art displays, and the joy that they receive from being able to look at the art daily.

How do lacquer art and Matryoshka collectors go about choosing pieces for their collection?

Because each piece is so beautiful in its own way, many collectors use the following methods to choose:

1. Fairy Tales.
2. Schools (Fedoskino, Mstera, Kholuy, Palekh).
3. Artist(s) featured in books and catalogues.
4. The feature of specific compositions in books and catalogs.
5. History and other stories.
6. Modern design

What kind of wood is used to make Russian lacquer boxes?

Russian lacquer boxes are actually made of paper-mache. This material is:

1. Much harder than wood.
2. Lasts longer under the lacquer.
3. Does not contain water particles that can damage the coats of lacquer.
4. Makes a much smoother surface to paint upon.
5. Was originally used in Persian boxes, technique from Germany.