DESCRIPTION: Four Russian painted lacquer boxes. 1) Two ships on the water near a large city. 6" x 3-1/4" x 1-5/8". 2) Soldier fighting Mongols. 4" x 4" x 1-1/2". 3) Soldier and horse outside a castle. 5-7/8" x 6" x 1-3/4". 4) Two soldiers fighting. 4-3/4" x 7-7/8" x 1-5/8". Russian lacquer boxes were first produced in the late 18th century and have since become popular with art collector's throughout the world. With the introduction of affordable tobacco to Europe in the mid 18th century, the demand for these boxes increased. To be considered authentic, a Russian lacquer box must have been produced using traditional techniques and materials by an artist trained in one of the four official schools: Fedoskino, Palekh, Mstera, and Kholui. Favored themes for paintings on Russian lacquer boxes are scenes from traditional Russian fairy tales, depiction of 19th century Russian peasant life, and reproductions of famous paintings hanging in Russian museums. MEASUREMENTS: See Description. CONDITION: Minor wear to surface consistent with age and handling. Linseed smell in interior of each.