Une superbe paire de vases-tazzi en cristal sur pied en argent, Maison des frères Grachev, Saint-Pétersbourg, vers 1890

Suppliers to the Court of His Imperial Majesty, the jewelry firm "Grachev Brothers" was founded in St. Petersburg in 1866 by Mikhail and Semyon Grachev. The Grachev Brothers became one of the most iconic and renowned jewelry houses in the city, contributing significantly to the glory of Russian jewelry and decorative arts. In 1892, the firm was granted the official right to use the State Emblem of the Russian Empire. Over the course of five decades, it became a symbol of refined Russian jewelry artistry.The Grachev Brothers’ firm quickly established itself as one of the most respected jewelry houses of the Russian Empire. By the 1880s, its works were already supplied to the Imperial court, laying the foundation for future acclaim. The 1892 right to bear the Russian Imperial State Emblem formally confirmed its status as an official supplier to the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty. By 1895, the factory reported an annual income of 125,000 rubles and employed 85 workers. The firm also collaborated with other Saint Petersburg workshops, whose craftsmen’s monograms can be found alongside the Grachev mark. In 1900, the company was reorganized into the joint-stock company “Grachev Brothers Partnership.” Their works were distinguished by exceptional craftsmanship, stylistic unity, and artistic sophistication — from rigorous neoclassicism to the lavish aesthetics of the neo-Russian style, harmoniously blending tradition and modernity.Many pieces were created on special commission for members of the aristocracy, military awards, diplomatic gifts, and ceremonial presentations. Notable techniques included woven silver, rich chasing, filigree engraving, delicate gilding, enamel, and gemstone inlay. The Grachev Brothers’ creations are preserved in the collections of Russia’s foremost museums, including the State Hermitage Museum and the State Historical Museum, and are regularly featured in special exhibitions.Most notable works of the Grachev Brothers’ firm:- Silver ewer with the cipher of Emperor Alexander III, St. Petersburg, c. 1895 (The State Hermitage Museum).A ceremonial vessel with imperial symbols and fine engraving.- Cigarette case with double-headed eagle and enamel, St. Petersburg, 1905 (Christie’s, New York, 2013). - A refined combination of enameling and imperial insignia.Tea set in woven silver with gilding, St. Petersburg, c. 1900 (Sotheby’s, London, 2016). - A rare example of decorative woven silver technique.Goblet inscribed “From Grateful Colleagues”, St. Petersburg, 1902 (Private collection). - A personalized commemorative object with symbolic gravitas.Hunting set for Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich, St. Petersburg, late 19th century (Tsarskoye Selo State Museum Reserve). - A comprehensive decorative and utilitarian ensemble.Silver breadbasket with gilded lion-handle grips, St. Petersburg, early 20th century (Private collection). A fine example of sculptural ornament and heraldic design.The Grachevs’ creations combine flawless technique with a symbolic language of form. Precision in design, interplay of textures, contrast between matte and polished surfaces, attention to heraldic elements, and motifs from Russian folk art make their pieces instantly recognizable and highly valued in both museum and private collections.The firm ceased operations after 1917.