Eastern Europe, Russia, Lukutin Factory, ca. second half of the 19th century CE. A fabulous pair of papier-mache lacquer eggs, both enveloped in a vibrant hue of vermilion and finely painted religious and stately scenes. Each egg boasts a meticulously rendered depiction of Christ's Resurrection featuring Christ standing atop his tomb in the center and an angel to his right on one side; the smaller only showing an angel, while the larger also displays fallen Roman soldiers below him. Alternatively, the reverse of each egg showcases a detailed image of the Kremlin. "Christ Resurrection" is inscribed in Cyrillic on the interior of the larger egg, while the more petite egg shows 3 Russian imperial double-headed eagles above the Lukutin Factory inscription. Size of largest: 4.8" L x 3" W (12.2 cm x 7.6 cm)

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 Lutukin’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."

A pair of comparable Lukutin eggs were sold by Christie's London for 4,000 British Sterling (equivalent to about $5,432.66) as lot 303 in Live Auction 1161 Important Russian Art, November 25th, 2013.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#169844

A few miniscule indentations to larger. Losses to inscription on interior of more petite egg. Otherwise, both are intact and excellent with impressive preservation of pigments and detail.