19th-century Lukutin Russian Lacquered Wooden Box With Figures And Landscape Design

Russian lacquered wooden box or case, decorated with a countryside scene featuring figures—men and women seated at a table drinking and dining—with a landscape in the background; signed by the Lukutin* workshop with a double-headed eagle; 19th-century.

This box is in good condition. It is signed by the Lukutin workshop (signature featuring the double-headed eagle). The clasp no longer locks properly.

Please note: a few very minor imperfections, scratches, traces of crazing, and signs of age; please examine the photos carefully.

In 1818, control of the Korobov workshop passed to Pyotr Lukutin (Korobov’s son-in-law), who expanded production to include tea boxes, album covers, desk accessories, and multi-purpose boxes. Artists began painting intricate decorative motifs on the boxes, and these veritable miniature paintings became ostentatious symbols of status among the aristocracy and the wealthy Russian merchant class. Demand for lacquerware skyrocketed. Just five years after Lukutin took over the workshop, he employed more than fifty skilled painters, and a school within the factory itself trained apprentices.Pyotr Lukutin began exhibiting his products in 1828 at industrial and craft fairs in Russia and Europe, winning great acclaim from the public and numerous awards. It was that same year that Lukutin received the highest honor—a royal decree—allowing him to use the imperial emblem (the double-headed eagle and his initials) as the company’s trademark. Alexander Lukutin joined his father as factory director in 1841, and together they transformed a simple craft into a true art form through their innovative designs and techniques. The Lukutin workshop closed its doors permanently in 1904, and some of its artists were transferred to the Vishnyakov workshop.
(See russianamericancompany.com)

Reference: E10 413
All photos are available at:
www.antiques-delaval.com