Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
A rare silver ladle shaped as a stylized Slavic boat, crafted by the renowned Sazikov firm in 1891. The sculptural body is adorned with chased ornament resembling scaled boat plating. The bow is decorated with volutes centered by a warrior’s shield, while the handle takes the form of a pine cone garland topped by a seated warrior in full armour and helmet, sword in hand. The interior is richly fire-gilt, evoking the shimmering seabed.
The piece is a sculptural interpretation of the legendary boat of Sadko, the epic Novgorodian gusli player and seafarer. The figure of the warrior seated at the stern evokes Sadko himself — a poetic and heroic symbol of the Russian spirit.
Marks:Full mark of the Sazikov firm with the Imperial double-headed eagle, indicating supplier status to the Imperial Court; Moscow assay mark with initials “L.O” over 1891 (unidentified assayer active 1890–1895); city mark of Moscow (St. George slaying the dragon) in a rectangular shield with cut corners; silver purity mark “84” in rectangular shield.
Dimensions:Height: 28 cm; Width: 42 cm; Depth: 17 cm.
Weight:2.544 kg.
Condition:Excellent museum condition. Fire-gilding slightly darkened from age; clear marks. No losses to sculptural or decorative elements. Later suspension hole.
Provenance:Private collection.
Created in 1891 by the Sazikov firm, this ladle is a superb example of the Neo-Russian style — a romantic revival of national imagery and legendary motifs during the reign of Alexander III.
It draws inspiration from the epic tale of Sadko, a musician and merchant of Novgorod, who sailed to the undersea realm of the Sea Tsar. The ladle’s hull, with its scale-like relief and gilded interior, embodies this mythical voyage. The warrior figure at the stern is a poetic emblem of Sadko transformed into a spiritual hero — navigating the forces of destiny and Russian tradition.
As a leading Imperial supplier, Sazikov’s firm was renowned for its technical brilliance and artistic synthesis. Works like this were often gifted to nobility, exhibited internationally, and served as objects of cultural diplomacy — merging craftsmanship with the ideological aesthetics of Imperial Russia.
Outstanding condition. Gilding partially darkened. Clear marks. Later drilled hole for suspension. No structural or decorative losses.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
