Mid 20th Century Painted Box Pioneers

Young Pioneers on a Hike (Юные Пионеры в Поход). 1950's Socialist Theme Painted Box from Zagorsk. Four young Pioneers dressed in uniforms come over the hilltop while hiking. The leader with a"рюкзак"(backpack) studies a map and indicates direction with his right hand. The others carry a set of binoculars, a staff and a school briefcase. Floral border decorations run along the perimeter of three sides of the box. Mid-1950's Zagorsk Artel production. 7"x 7"x 2". Some wear to the extremities, minor paint loss. Inside of box has crayon residue. Overall good to very good. Nice example of post-war Zagorsk artel experimental production. Uncommon. 1 only.

Cottage industry “kustar” workers (Кустарная промышленность) was important for rural peasants and their families in parts of Russia starting in the 16th century and developed extensively during the 19th century, producing a wide range of arts and crafts in wood, textile, and metal. Some of the more solid enterprises ended up forming cooperatives.

A Short History of Zagorsk and Sergiev-Posad Folk Art