SILVER THRONE-SHAPED SALT CELLAR WITH THE PROVERB «WITHOUT SALT AND WITHOUT BREAD, HALF THE MEAL IS LOST» RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1882

An exquisite silver salt cellar executed in the form of a miniature throne, representing a striking example of Moscow silverwork from the Late Historicism period. The architectural composition is conceived as a ceremonial chair with a high shaped back, a hinged front panel, and a stepped base, lending the object a sense of monumentality within its intimate scale.

The decorative scheme is based on fine engraving combined with gilded silver. The ornamental system incorporates geometric and stylized vegetal motifs arranged in balanced, symmetrical compositions. At the center appears an engraved proverb: “Without salt and without bread, half the meal is lost,” endowing the piece with a strong symbolic and cultural significance.

The interior is fully gilded, in accordance with traditional methods for salt vessels, both protecting the metal from corrosion and enhancing its refined appearance. The inner side of the backrest is decorated with a medallion depicting a rooster — a traditional symbol of prosperity, domestic well-being, and protection in Russian decorative art.

The clarity of form, precision of engraving, and overall quality of execution indicate the work of an accomplished Moscow master operating within the highly developed silversmithing tradition of the second half of the 19th century.

Hallmarks: Maker’s mark “СИ” for S. M. Ikonnikov, Moscow, active 1860–1882; assay mark “И.К” above a line with the date “1882”; Moscow city mark; standard mark “84”.
Dimensions: Height: 8.5 cm; Width: 7 cm; Depth: 5 cm.
Weight: 104 g.
Condition: Good. Partial wear to gilding, with minor surface wear consistent with age. No deformations or restorations observed.