This is an exceptionally fine hand-painted wooden icon egg depicting the Mother of God "Milk-Giver" (Mlekopitatelnitsa), executed at a professional miniature-iconography level associated with the Sergiev Posad icon-painting tradition. The work features genuine gold leaf gilding, expertly applied over a prepared bole ground, with burnished surfaces and refined illumination entirely consistent with academic gilding technique. The presence of inlaid stones/crystals along the decorative borders further elevates the craftsmanship, placing this egg among the higher-tier modern miniature ecclesiastical works.

The iconographer's signature "Cherepanova" (Черепанова), dated 2002, aligns with known female painters trained in or associated with the Sergiev Posad workshops and the Holy Trinity–St. Sergius Lavra's icon-painting school. These studios are recognized for rigorous canonical training, disciplined miniature brushwork, and adherence to traditional materials, including genuine gold leaf, lacquer finishing, and carefully executed border ornamentation.
The visual precision"”particularly the modeling of the flesh tones, the disciplined outline work, and the balanced use of gold"”indicates formal iconographic schooling rather than hobby or tourist production. The included stand is original to the piece and of matching quality.

It's priced at appraised value, reflecting the use of genuine gold leaf gilding, the presence of inlaid stones, the artist's signature, and the high professional miniature iconography technique consistent with Sergiev Posad training. The appraisal report is available upon request.

This signed and dated 7-inch Cherepanova "Milk-Giver" icon egg is a premium example of early 21st-century Russian miniature iconography, executed with genuine gold leaf, stone inlay, and the academic precision of a master craftsman. It stands firmly within the upper tier of modern Sergiev Posad icon-painting output and is highly desirable to collectors of contemporary Russian ecclesiastical art.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: The egg icon is in excellent condition, with no cracks, chips, or surface imperfections. The gold leaf gilding is intact, bright, and shows no evidence of oxidation or abrasion. The lacquer surface remains clear, smooth, and evenly applied across the entire egg. Painted details are sharp and undisturbed, with no color fading. The inlaid stones are securely set and show complete integrity. The accompanying stand is similarly in excellent condition with no losses or structural issues.

Dimensions:
Height: 7 in.
Width: 4 in.
Depth: 4 in.

Category: Paintings
Origin: Ukraine
Materials: Lacquer, Wood

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Location: This item ships from Houston, TX

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Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; The egg icon is in excellent condition, with no cracks, chips, or surface imperfections. The gold leaf gilding is intact, bright, and shows no evidence of oxidation or abrasion. The lacquer surface remains clear, smooth, and evenly applied across the entire egg. Painted details are sharp and undisturbed, with no color fading. The inlaid stones are securely set and show complete integrity. The accompanying stand is similarly in excellent condition with no losses or structural issues.