Set of 4 Russian Lacquer Trinket Boxes - Folklore Inagery

This is a set of four incredibly detailed, painted lacquer boxes. The scenes draw from traditional Russian fairy tales, village life, and folklore imagery. Pieces like this originate from villages like Palekh, Fedoskino, Mstera, and Kholui.  One depicts a Winter Courting Scene - a snow-covered countryside with a couple walking together. This celebrates everyday village courtship, a nostalgic theme celebrating traditional rural life. The water-carrying yoke (called a koromyslo) is a classic motif symbolizing domestic life and partnership.  Another depicts folklore travelers, which evokes a nostalgia for the countryside and maybe draws on folklore or folk ballads.  The small box depicts the Troika! A horse-drawn sleigh. The troika represents speed, travel, and festive journeys.  The last depicts the musician in the meadow. In this depiction, he is playing the balalaika, and is a celebration of traditional folk music.