SILVER SALT CELLAR “CHAIR”. ALEXANDER MUKHIN RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1880

An elegant silver salt cellar of rare form, produced at the workshop of Alexander Alexeev MukhIN, a Moscow merchant and owner of a silver manufactory active in the second half of the 19th century, represents a characteristic example of Moscow silver of the Historicist period. The composition takes the form of a miniature chair with a hinged front panel and reflects the established tendency toward the stylization of objects from folk life within the decorative arts of the time.

The surface is finely engraved with an imitation of birch bark, executed in the trompe-lœil technique, creating a convincing illusion of natural material. The decorative concept is based on the combination of a “peasant” form with the precision of refined silversmithing typical of Moscow workshops of the late 19th century.

The hinged lid is decorated with an ornamental composition centered on an eight-pointed rosette, derived from traditional woodcarving motifs. The pierced backrest and side elements enhance the architectural clarity of the form. The interior is partially gilt.

Marks: Maker’s mark “A.M.” (Alexander Alexeev MukhIN) in an oval cartouche, with dots after the initials; Assay mark “A.K.” above a line with the date “1880” (Moscow assay master); State silver mark “84”; Moscow city mark depicting Saint George slaying the dragon; French import mark in the form of a swan in an oval cartouche (import mark applied in France after 1893).

Dimensions: Height: 6.5 cm; Width: 6.5 cm; Depth: 4 cm.

Weight: 59 g.

Condition: Good, with natural patina and minor traces of use.

Provenance: Private collection.