Lot 249
Eastern Europe, Western Russia, near Moscow, Fedoskino, likely Lukutin Factory, ca. second half of the 19th century CE. A gorgeous pair of papier-mache lacquer eggs, both enveloped in a vibrant hue of vermilion and finely painted religious and stately scenes. The larger egg is divided vertically into 2 halves and boasts a meticulously rendered depiction of Christ's Resurrection on one side and an image of the Kremlin on the other. A gilt, curlicue border surrounds the peripheries of each half, and liberal remains of a Cyrillic inscription are on the interior. Alternatively, the more petite egg is not divided in half and displays Christ's vision of the Holy Grail when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane on one side, while an image of the Holy Grail, a cross, the Bible, and the tablets of the Ten Commandments are shown on the other. The bottom bears the Lukutin coat of arms with 3 Cyrillic letters, likely the initials of the artist. Size of larger: 2.5" W x 3.9" H (6.4 cm x 9.9 cm)
This style of lacquer miniature painting on papier-mache is known as Fedoskino painting, named after an old village in Moscow where the tradition was centered starting in the late 18th century. As seen in these examples, Fedoskino painting is distinctive for the use of mother-of-pearl, gold, or silver leaf under segments of the background to create a shimmering glow or silvery sparkle as seen in these examples. Miniatures of this type from the second half of the 19th century are known as "lukutins"; taking their name from the Lukutin family who owned the Fedoskino factory at the time. Thus, even Fedoskino eggs that are not marked with the Lukutin family coat of arms can be referred to as "Lukutin." For example Christie's London referred to an unmarked egg that also displayed images of Christ's Resurrection and the Kremlin as being by the Lukutin Factory in lot 303 in Live Auction 1161 "Important Russian Art" on November 24th, 2013.
According to the Dorich House Museum in London, "Production of lacquered papier-mache began with the pressing and forming of cardboard sheets which were then boiled in linseed oil and then baked in an oven. Thereafter the material could be worked like wood and artists could begin fine painting on the blank surfaces. Although Lukutin was focused primarily on producing goods for the upper classes and Vishnyakov looked more to the general population, a fierce rivalry had grown up between the two factories following Lukutin's takeover of the Korobov factory. Competition spurred innovation and the range of items produced was extended to include brooches, tea caddies, spectacle cases, the aforementioned Easter eggs, and other items."
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection
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#172571
- Condition: More petite egg is professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines. Halves of larger are contemporary with one another but not originally matched together. Otherwise, both are very nice with impressive preservation of pigments.
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