SILVER SALT CELLAR “CHAIR”, SERGEY IVANOVICH AGAFONOV MOSCOW, 1890

A rare silver salt cellar in the form of a miniature chair, executed in the Moscow workshop of Sergey Ivanovich Agafonov in 1890, represents a striking example of Russian decorative silver of the Late Historicism period. The composition is conceived as a stylised chair with a high shaped back, a hinged front panel, and a rectangular compartment for salt. This transformation of a utilitarian object into a miniature architectural form lends the piece a strong decorative and symbolic character.

Particular expressiveness is achieved through the ornamental program inspired by traditional Russian wooden architecture. The backrest is designed as the façade of a peasant house with a gabled roof, pierced windows, and carved decoration reminiscent of window frames and gables of Northern Russian dwellings. The hinged lid is adorned with a medallion depicting a rooster, one of the traditional motifs of folk art, while the inner side bears the engraved proverb: “Without salt and bread, half the meal is gone.” This synthesis of folk wisdom, symbolic imagery, and refined miniature craftsmanship makes the object highly characteristic of Moscow silver of the late 19th century.

The form is well-balanced and sculpturally coherent. The lower part of the body is decorated with engraved geometric bands, enhancing the resemblance to carved wooden prototypes. The interior is gilded, in accordance with both the aesthetic preferences of the time and the practical function of the object.

Marks: Maker’s mark “S.A.” – Sergey Ivanovich Agafonov, Moscow, active 1870–1897; Assay mark “L.O.” over a line with date “1890” – Olex Lev Fyodorovich, Moscow, 1890; State assay mark “84”; Moscow city mark depicting St George slaying the dragon.

Dimensions: Height: 10 cm; Width: 8 cm; Depth: 5.5 cm.

Weight: 120 g.

Condition: Good. Minor traces of use, light surface scratches, and slight wear to the gilding. No deformations or losses. Fully functional.