On our Miniatures Tour we have seen magnificent examples of fine art and craftsmanship, but in Russia we find not one, but two iconic symbols of the country and its people. Russian lacquer painting and matryoshka, or as we better know it, the Russian nesting doll.

The idea of painting in miniature on small boxes, which included everything from jewel boxes to snuff boxes, did not originate in Russia. Asian countries such as China and Japan had been using these techniques for thousands of years. During the 17 and 18th centuries the Europeans borrowed the technique, and Russian artists raised the bar.

Today, as then, Russian craftsman continue to produce the most exquisite of these lacquered boxes. Most of the lacquer miniature paintings from the earlier era were hand-rendered reproductions of famous paintings and popular illustrations rather than being original compositions.