A Rare and Unusual Set of Seven Russian Lacquer "Puzzle" Boxes, Petr and Alexander Lukutin Manufactory, Danilkovo, 1843-1855

the seven boxes of various sizes and shapes, all with slip-on lids, the covers with molded chinoiserie scenes with faces carefully painted in realistic tones, the remainder of the tops and sides with floral ornament in scroll-framed reserves against a cross-hatched gilded ground; the interiors of the lids with line drawings suggesting various ways to arrange the boxes in shapes resembling animals, buildings, etc.

the boxes with some small losses, particularly at corners or interior edges; scattered cracking to lacquer, particularly in molded relief, general wear and rubbing to gilding consistent with age
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The appearance of such an exceptional set of boxes on the market is an extremely rare occurrence.  Lukutin boxes with chinoiserie scenes in relief appear only infrequently; the most recent is a single snuffbox in the Provatoroff Collection (Christie's London, November 20, 1997, lot 281 illustrated; a tea caddy with chinoiserie style scene that did not include relief elements was sold Christies London, November 24, 2008, lot 23A, illustrated). Even major Russian collections include only scattered examples. (See, for example, Monika Kopplin, ed. Russische Lackkunst von Peter dem Grossen bis zur Grossen Revolution, Münster, 2003, cats. 47, 74 and 75, pp. 81-83, 245, 260).  By tradition, only two such sets were known: one belonging to the wife of the Mayor (gradonachalnik) of Moscow and the other to a certain Madame Kravtsova. This set is thought to have belonged to Kravtsova; she left the set to her niece, who was able to take it with her when she immigrated to Harbin, China in 1920. Another family member carried it to New York, where it was sold to a collector in 1952.

The Lukutin Manufactory was founded about 1790 when the merchant Pavel Ivanovich Korobov (1752-1819), inspired by a visit to the famous Stobwasser manufactory in Brunswick, Germany, opened a workshop manufacturing lacquer wares in the village of Danilkovo (now called Fedoskino) near Moscow.  Korobov's son-in-law, Petr Vasil'evich Lukutin (1784-1863), lent his surname to the business when he assumed control in 1818. Under his direction the firm rapidly expanded their line of goods and decorative techniques. The surfaces of these boxes demonstrate the extraordinary detail and magnificence of decoration they were able to achieve.