An oval silver fruit basket with a tall movable handle, created by the workshop of Pavel Ovchinnikov, Supplier to the Imperial Court. The body is encircled by an exquisite cobalt-blue frieze depicting stylised birds within an intricate Neo-Russian ornament, executed in the technique of champlevé enamel. The smooth silver handle is joined by spherical terminals, creating a harmonious and balanced composition.
Hallmarks: Firm’s mark beneath the double-headed eagle — “P. Ovchinnikov” (in a rectangular cartouche beneath the coat of arms); assay master’s mark “A.A” under the date “1892” — Moscow assay master Alexander Artemiev; state hallmark with the city arms of Moscow (St. George) and the silver standard “84”.
Dimensions: 26.6 × 21.6 cm, height without handle 5.6 cm, with handle 16.5 cm.
Weight: 514 g.
Condition: Good. Silver with even patina, enamels bright and intact. Minor traces of age and use to the interior surface.
Provenance: Private European collection.
The Moscow firm of Pavel Ovchinnikov (1851–1917) was one of the foremost jewellery houses of the Russian Empire, honoured with the title of Supplier to the Imperial Court. Ovchinnikov’s creations were distinguished by their technical mastery, refined design, and distinctive national style, symbolising the revival of Russian decorative traditions at the end of the 19th century.
This basket embodies the spirit of the Neo-Russian style, inspired by ancient Russian ornament and folk decorative art. The champlevé enamel technique allowed the craftsmen to achieve a remarkable depth of colour and precision of detail. The blue enamels framed by silver scrolls and stylised birds symbolise fertility, renewal, and spiritual rebirth — themes deeply rooted in Russian cultural symbolism.
During the 1890s, the Ovchinnikov firm participated in major international exhibitions (Paris 1889, Chicago 1893), presenting pieces that united national aesthetics with technical excellence. Comparable baskets and bowls with enamel ornamentation are preserved in the collections of the State Hermitage Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Fabergé Museum.
This basket represents a rare example of Ovchinnikov’s late production, when the Moscow silversmithing school reached its artistic peak, combining tradition, symbolism, and virtuoso craftsmanship.
Good condition. Silver with uniform patina; enamels vivid and undamaged. Minor surface wear 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.
