The book contains an essay on the history of the development of the art craft of Mstera - lacquer miniatures. The art of Mstera, which was only a tiny link in the general chain of icon-painting nests of the Vladimir-Suzdal school, having undergone a number of changes, took shape in an independent, different art craft. The author also considers the technique of varnishes, papier-mâché painting, the style of Mstera in the 1930s.