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POLISH WOOD BOXES

Box making is a time honored Polish tradition from the Highlanders of the Tatra Region of the Carpathian Mountains, a region called Podhale, dating back to the 1st millennium A.D.  There are 30 steps required in making these boxes, which is made of poplar, linden or lime tree wood.  It is carved, painted, stained and/or burned with designs and color (small carved triangles, circles, lines, hearts, birds, mountain flowers and rosettes are the favorite designs of folk art they use). The master craftsmen of Poland are renowned for the quality of their intricate handcrafted designs and precisely fitted lids.  Enjoy these pieces of functional art!

RUSSIAN LACQUER BOXES

Here's a lovely selection of lacquer boxes, hand-made in Russia from four villages renowned for this artwork.  Fifty layers of lacquer on each hinged papier-mâché box takes 3-6 months for the box itself, not the artwork on top.  This papier-mâché becomes a wood-like substance that is extremely hard, durable, waterproof, non-porous and not affected by temperature.  Oil-based or tempura paints are used for the artwork, sometimes using a single squirrel or wolf hair brush, even painting between heartbeats to create a perfect line.  Russian fairytales are the most popular themes.  Each box comes with a summary of the fairy tale.  Most boxes are signed by the artist and inscribed with the village name as well.  This is just a sampling of what we have in the store...most are Signed.  High Quality!