Russian Lacquer art developed from the art of an icon painting, which ended when imperial Russia collapsed. The icon painters, who previously had been employed by supplying not only churches but people's homes, needed a way to make a living. Thus, the craft of making paper-mache decorative boxes and panels developed, the items were lacquered and then hand painted by the artists, often with scenes from folk tales. 
 
The village of fedoskimo is the oldest of the four art centers of Russian lacquer miniature painting, which has been practiced there since 1795. The other three Russian lacquer art centers are: Palekh, kholuy, and Mstyora.