Oil-based paint is the medium used to paint the dual portrait on this box. The palette is based upon skin tones that define the faces and dark tones that are used to paint their clothing. The people's faces have the simple and relaxed look of the peasant class. There is tremendous depth in their facial features and having them look into each other's eyes creates a complex dynamic between the two people. The box is constructed out of paper-mache made in the Vishnyakov Workshop.
Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior and interior of the box.
Over time the box's finish has evaporated and the paint in the composition has cracks. The paper-mache is also chipped in several areas. This however, shows the age of the piece and does not take away from its value. The box has an exterior decoration with green leaves, with yellow, red, and blue flora, but the decoration on above the opening does not match the decoration below the opening of the box. The colors and design match, but the pattern of the red and yellow fruits around the sides do not match up.