#9171 • Russian Lacquered Papier-Mâché Box, “Lighting the Hannukah Candles,” signed in Cyrillic (Burkova), 2"H

Part of $15 Million | Part 2 | McLean Mansion on the Potomac | Online Estate Auction (live auction by Prime Auction Solutions)

High bid $30.00

Status: Sold

A Russian lacquered papier-mâché hinged box, hand-painted with a domestic genre scene titled in English “Lighting the Hannukah Candles,” likely late Soviet or post-Soviet manufacture. The lid presents a warm interior tableau: a seated figure kindles the Hanukkah lights while children play on the floor; a secondary vignette at the rear suggests a convivial gathering, creating a narrative, multi-room composition typical of miniature lacquer painting. The work is framed by a black ground with scrolling gilt ornament along the rim and sides, and the interior is finished in a traditional solid red lacquer. Signed on the lid in Cyrillic “Буркова” (Burkova), the piece follows established workshop conventions for Russian lacquer boxes—layered lacquer over molded paper composite, with finely detailed brushwork and selective highlights to model faces, textiles, and furniture. The subject reflects the continuing practice of commemorating Hanukkah through the nightly kindling of a dedicated candelabrum (hanukkiah/chanukiah), a ritual frequently depicted as an intimate home observance. Dimensions: not provided. Size: 4 x 5 x 2"