An antique box in the Russian Art Nouveau style. Made of oak. Decorated with characteristic carvings from the Abramtsevo workshop. Russia, 20th century.

The Neo-Russian style (National Romanticism, Russian Art Nouveau) emerged in the late 19th century, when Art Nouveau arrived in Russia from Europe. At that time, the Russian Empire was deeply fascinated with ancient national art. Thus, an interest in folk art and the asymmetrical forms with plant motifs characteristic of Art Nouveau formed the basis of a movement with a national romantic bent, called the Neo-Russian style. The Abramtsevo estate near Moscow was one of the centers for the development and spread of Russian Art Nouveau.