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A rare silver salt cellar in the form of a miniature throne, made in Moscow in 1882 in the Russian style of the Historicist period. The architecturally conceived composition combines a tall pierced back, a gabled cresting surmounted by a decorative cross, a hinged seat-lid and a spreading base raised on four spherical feet.
The back is designed as a miniature architectural structure incorporating pierced geometric and foliate elements. The gabled cresting and cross are enriched with polychrome enamel in saturated cobalt blue, turquoise, white and red tones. Further enamelled accents form a decorative border around the base, creating a striking contrast with the silver surface and gilt details.
The hinged seat forms the cover of the salt compartment, the interior of which is gilded. The front is engraved in pre-revolutionary Russian orthography with the proverb: “Недорогъ подарокъ, дорога любовь”, meaning “The gift may be modest, but love is precious.” The inscription lends the object the character of a personal commemorative gift and forms an integral part of its decorative programme. The lower section beneath the inscription is embellished with polychrome enamel ornament incorporating a pair of symmetrically arranged stylised birds.
The spreading base is engraved with geometric and stylised foliate ornament. The combination of architectural form, pierced silverwork, engraving, gilding and vivid enamel decoration is characteristic of Moscow silver workshops of the last quarter of the 19th century, whose masters drew inspiration from the artistic heritage of pre-Petrine Russia.
Materials and techniques: 84 zolotnik silver, polychrome cloisonné enamel, partial gilding, engraving, pierced work, assembly.
Marks: Moscow assay mark dated 1882, silver standard mark “84”, Moscow city arms; maker’s mark “MP”, unidentified.
Inscription: “Недорогъ подарокъ, дорога любовь” (“The gift may be modest, but love is precious”).
Dimensions: Height 14 cm. Width 8 cm. Depth 7.5 cm.
Weight: 243 g.
Condition: Good collectible condition. With natural age-related patina, minor traces of use and localised wear to the gilding. The enamel decoration is well preserved, with occasional minor edge chips.
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.
