Lot 219A
Eastern Europe, western Russia, near Moscow, Fedoskino, likely Lukutin Factory, ca. second half of the 19th century CE. A fabulous ensemble of 6 papier-mache lacquer eggs, all enveloped in a vibrant hue of vermilion and finely painted religious and stately scenes. All similar in size, each egg displays an image of a state or religious building on one side, on the other side 3 eggs feature the Ascension of Jesus, 2 portray Saint Seraphim of Sarov, and 1 exhibits the image of Saint Nicholas. Size (all are similar): 2.2" L x 2.2" W x 3.2" H (5.6 cm x 5.6 cm x 8.1 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 bared 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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#183713
- Condition: Two open into 2 halves and 1 may be missing ribbon. All have some miniscule nicks to surface that do not greatly affect imagery and some have some small abrasions and bubbling to varnish. Otherwise, all are intact and excellent with good preservation of pigments and detail.
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