A rare silver salt throne in the form of a miniature chair, designed as the façade of a traditional Russian wooden izba with carved window frames, shutters and a gabled front. Made in 1890 in the Moscow workshop of Mikhail Goloshchapov — one of the leading silversmiths of his time. The hinged lid opens to reveal a gold-washed interior salt compartment. The back wall is styled as a log wall with fine engraving. A striking example of late 19th-century ethnographic silver, combining utilitarian function with refined folk architectural stylisation.
Hallmarks: Cyrillic initials “МГ” in an oval — the personal maker’s mark of silversmith Mikhail Goloshchapov, assay mark with initials “A.R” (Aleksandr Romanov), dated 1890 above, silver standard “84” in a rectangular cartouche (in use 1888–1894), city mark of Moscow (Saint George on horseback).
Dimensions: Height: 11 cm, Width: 8 cm
Weight: 119.33 g
Condition: Good condition with natural signs of age. Partial gilding preserved, engraving and hallmarks clearly legible.
Provenance: Private collection
This salt throne created in 1890 by Mikhail Goloshchapov exemplifies Russian ethnographic silver from the cultural revival of national traditions in late 19th-century decorative art. During this period, there was a renewed fascination with vernacular architecture, rural life and folklore — themes that inspired leading Moscow silversmiths.
Goloshchapov, active from 1883 to 1912, specialised in architectural folk motifs applied to salt cellars, beakers and tea strainers. His pieces are distinguished by finely chiselled engraving, stylised wooden textures and careful attention to detail. Similar works are housed in the State Historical Museum in Moscow.
Objects like this were both functional and symbolic, reinforcing national identity and the “Russian style” aesthetic, which was widely celebrated at the 1900 Paris Exposition. Today, such items are highly valued for their expressive ethnographic character, artistic quality and historical significance.
Good overall condition with minor traces of age. Partial interior gilding preserved. Engraving and hallmarks remain sharp and legible.
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.
