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SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A THRONE WITH THE PROVERB “EAT BREAD AND SALT, BUT SPEAK THE TRUTH” RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1875
SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A THRONE WITH THE PROVERB “EAT BREAD AND SALT, BUT SPEAK THE TRUTH” RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1875
An elegant silver salt cellar in the form of a miniature throne, representing a characteristic example of Moscow decorative silver of the second half of the 19th century. The architectural composition is conceived as a ceremonial seat with a high shaped back, pierced vertical openings, and a hinged front panel providing access to the interior.The plasticity of the piece is defined by strict symmetry and rich decorative detailing. The surface is finely engraved with geometric and stylised vegetal motifs typical of Moscow workshops of the Historicism period. The central panel features the inscription: “Eat bread and salt, but speak the truth,” executed in a traditional manner using Old Russian script, lending the object a distinctly national character and symbolic meaning.The gilded interior enhances the visual contrast with the matte silver surface, emphasising the festive and ceremonial nature of the piece. The ornamental system, including a serrated edge, engraved hatchings, and stamped elements, demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship and refined execution.Marks: Assay mark “VS” over a line with the date “1875” - Viktor Savinkov, assay master, Moscow; Russian standard mark “84” with the Moscow city emblem (St George); Maker’s mark “LCh” (Cyrillic, unidentified Moscow master, third quarter of the 19th century).Dimensions: Height: 6 cm; Width: 6 cm; Depth: 4 cm.Weight: 57 g.Condition: Good. Even gilding. Minor wear to the base. No deformations, cracks, restorations, or signs of heavy use.Provenance: Private collection.
Begins 02.05.2026
SILVER THRONE-SHAPED SALT CELLAR WITH THE PROVERB «WITHOUT SALT AND WITHOUT BREAD, HALF THE MEAL IS LOST» RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1882
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.
Begins 02.05.2026
SILVER THRONE-SHAPED SALT CELLAR WITH NIELLO MOSCOW, 1864
SILVER THRONE-SHAPED SALT CELLAR WITH NIELLO MOSCOW, 1864
A rare silver salt cellar executed in the form of a miniature throne, representing a refined example of Moscow silverwork from the mid-19th century. The composition is conceived as a ceremonial seat with a high shaped back, side armrests and a hinged lid, lending the object both sculptural presence and symbolic significance.The exterior decoration is based on an elegant interplay of silver, gilding and niello. A dense geometric pattern executed in the niello technique creates a rhythmic surface reminiscent of woven textile, contrasting with smooth polished elements and the warm tone of gilding. This combination produces a subtle play of light and underscores the high level of craftsmanship.The inner side of the hinged lid is adorned with a circular medallion depicting a rooster, rendered in silver with gilded accents. The rooster motif, traditionally associated with vigilance and protection, enhances the symbolic dimension of the piece. The interior is fully gilded, corresponding to the functional purpose of the object.The throne form is characteristic of Russian salt cellars of the 19th century and reflects the tradition of elevating tableware into objects of symbolic meaning associated with prosperity and hospitality.Marks: Maker’s mark “ЯВ”; assay mark “В.С” over a line with the date “1864” – Viktor Savinkov, Moscow assay master, active 1855–1888; standard mark “84”; Moscow city mark (St. George).Dimensions: Height: 8 cm; width: 6.5 cm; depth: 5 cm.Weight: 85 g.Condition: Good. Gilding with natural wear, niello slightly softened in places. No deformations or signs of restoration.
Begins 02.05.2026
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