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.
An expressive silver salt cellar of architectural form, executed in the technique of cloisonné enamel over filigree and chased silver, represents a characteristic example of the Moscow school of decorative silver of the early twentieth century. The composition is conceived as a miniature throne with a hinged lid and a high vertical back forming a decorative shield, which gives the object pronounced frontality and monumentality despite its камерный scale.
All surfaces of the body are covered with a complex symmetrical ornament composed of stylized vegetal scrolls, floral rosettes and medallions, executed in a насыщенная palette of turquoise, cobalt, emerald, white and ruby enamels. The clear contours of the cloisons emphasize the graphic precision of the design, while the granulated and finely chased silver ground creates a soft interplay of light and shadow with the translucent and opaque enamels. The interior surface is gilded, in accordance with the tradition of producing tableware objects from high-grade silver.
The piece is associated with the workshop of Pavel Akimovich Ovchinnikov, one of the leading centers of Russian enamel silver production, known for developing the Neo-Russian style and the artistic interpretation of Old Russian ornamental traditions.
Hallmarks: Maker’s mark “M.Ovchinnikov” under the double-headed eagle - Supplier to the Imperial Court mark; State assay mark of the Moscow district with the profile of a female head in kokoshnik facing right and the silver standard “84”, 1908 - 1917.
Dimensions: Height: 10.5 cm; Width: 7 cm; Depth: 7 cm.
Weight: 203 g.
Condition: Good. Gilding even. Minor wear to the base. No deformations, cracks, restorations or signs of active use.
Provenance: Private European collection.
The turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries marks a late phase in the development of the Ovchinnikov firm, during which the traditions of Moscow decorative silver reached a high level of artistic refinement. In this period, objects bear the mark “M.Ovchinnikov”, associated with Mikhail Pavlovich Ovchinnikov, representing one of the branches of the family enterprise. The workshop’s activity is characterized by the preservation of technological continuity combined with an increasing complexity of decorative language and a heightened stylistic expressiveness.
By the early twentieth century, the Ovchinnikov firm had firmly established itself as one of the leading producers of enameled silver in the Russian Empire. Cloisonné enamel reached a high level of artistic mastery, becoming the structural basis of the composition. Ornament became denser and more rhythmically organized, while the color palette relied on a rich combination of cobalt, turquoise, emerald and ruby tones, creating depth and decorative unity.
The formal language of such objects is closely connected with the traditions of seventeenth-century Old Russian art. Architectural motifs, including forms reminiscent of icon frames and façade compositions, are reflected in utilitarian objects, imparting to them a representative and symbolic character. This interpretation of form reflects the aspiration of мастера to integrate historical heritage into the artistic system of their time.
The technical basis of these works involves a complex combination of filigree, chasing and enamel, forming a multi-layered decorative surface. The interaction of light, relief and color creates a distinctive visual effect characteristic of leading Moscow workshops of the early twentieth century. Such objects represent important monuments of Russian decorative and applied art of the pre-revolutionary period.
Overall condition is good. Enamels are well preserved with no significant losses. Interior gilding is even. Only minor traces of use and light wear to the base consistent with age.
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.
