Palekh Box

This little box is 80mm by 45mm and is a fine example of the Russian tradition of miniature painting using tempera and gold paint on a lacquered papier-maché box.
The story depicted is the Pushkin version of the fairytale of "The Dead Princess and the Seven Knights". This in turn is a variation of the story of Little Snow White from Grimm's fairytales.
It is also painted on the lid,but that will have to wait for another wet Sunday.
Best viewed in large to appreciate the delicacy of the brushwork.