This very unique Russian Lacquer Box is titled "Valkyrie" and was painted by the famous Russian artist Pananova from the village of Mstera. In Norse mythology, a valkyrie is one of a host of female figures who choose those who die in battle. The valkyries bring their chosen who have died bravely in battle to the afterlife hall of the slain, Valhalla, ruled over by the god Odin, where the deceased warriors become einherjar. There, when the einherjar are not preparing for the events of Ragnarök, the valkyries bear them mead. Valkyries also appear as lovers of heroes and other mortals, where they are sometimes described as the daughters of royalty, sometimes accompanied by ravens, and sometimes connected to swans. This uniquely themed Russian lacquered box is 7" in diameter and 1.25" in height.