The troika speeds along. The troika leaps ahead. I am going to my beloved. These words from a folk song splendidly reflect the love for the famous Russian teams of three horses harnessed to sleighs. According to ancient tradition, a bridegroom drove up to the porch of his bride only in a troika. The sleigh bells jingle musically, and the horses stretch out their necks. This image is forever associated with traditional Russian paintings on lacquer. Artists of the Palekh School very often used the subject to decorate the small boxes which were a Russian national handicraft.

Papier-mache, lacquer, painting.
3 1/8 x 2 1/4 in. (8 x 6 cm).