Lot 247
Eastern Europe, western Russia, near Moscow, Fedoskino, likely Lukutin Factory, ca. second half of the 19th century CE. A fabulous trio of papier-mache lacquer eggs, all enveloped in a vibrant hue of vermilion and finely painted religious and stately scenes. The largest of the 3 presents an image of Christ's Resurrection on one side and a view of the Kremlin on the other separated by a gold-colored foliate border. The mid-size egg similarly shows a view of the Kremlin on one side, but features the bust of Saint Seraphim of Sarov on the other. Last, the most petite egg is hand-painted with the image of Christ knocking at the door on one side and a vegetal design with a double-headed eagle and 3 Cyrillic letters on the other. Size of largest (Resurrection): 3.5" L x 3.4" W x 4.8" H (8.9 cm x 8.6 cm x 12.2 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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#183712
- Condition: Resurrection and Christ at door eggs each separate into 2 halves; Christ at door egg is held together with sticky tack and has some chipping to peripheries of each half. Resurrection egg has the double-headed eagle and the initials "P.A.A." on interior. All have a few nicks but are otherwise intact and in great condition with great pigments and nice craquelure.
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