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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.
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SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A THRONE WITH AN OPENWORK BACK RUSSIA, KOSTROMA, 1880s–1890s
SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A THRONE WITH AN OPENWORK BACK RUSSIA, KOSTROMA, 1880s–1890s
An elegant silver salt cellar executed in the form of a miniature throne with a high architectural back, representing a characteristic example of Russian decorative and applied art of the late 19th century. The composition is based on architectural and furniture motifs, emphasised by the clear geometry of the body, stepped base and richly developed ornamental decoration.The openwork back is designed as a symmetrical structure with pierced vegetal and geometric ornament organised around a central diamond-shaped motif. The upper section is crowned with a stylised pediment featuring balusters and a crenellated frieze, recalling forms of Old Russian architecture. The side supports are decorated with fine chasing and ornamental bands, reinforcing the architectural character of the object.The rectangular body with profiled walls is adorned with linear and zigzag engraved decoration. The base is solid and contoured, providing both stability and visual completeness. The interior of the bowl is fully gilded, a traditional measure used to protect silver from the corrosive effects of salt while simultaneously enhancing the ceremonial appearance of the piece. The hinged lid is functionally and compositionally integrated with the back, preserving the overall harmony of the design.Material: Silver, 84 standard, gilt interior.Hallmarks: Maker’s mark of an unidentified master “AB” in a rectangular cartouche; Kostroma town assay mark depicting the city coat of arms – a galley sailing on a river; To the left, the silver standard “84”, characteristic of the Kostroma assay office of the 1880s–1890s; Additional assay marks.Dimensions: Height: 7.5 cm; Width: 6 cm; Depth: 5 cm.Condition: Good. Even natural patina to the silver. Gilding to the interior well preserved. Minor signs of age and use consistent with the period. No deformations or restorations observed.Provenance: Private collection.
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SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A CHAIR, IVAN DMITRIEVICH SALTYKOV MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1882–1898
SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A CHAIR, IVAN DMITRIEVICH SALTYKOV MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1882–1898
A rare silver salt cellar in the form of a miniature chair, executed in the Moscow workshop of Ivan Dmitrievich Saltykov in the late 19th century, represents an expressive example of Moscow silver of the Late Historicism period. The composition is conceived as a stylized chair with a high shaped back, pierced “windows,” a hinged front panel, and a rectangular compartment for salt. The architectural interpretation of the object refers to forms of traditional Russian wooden architecture, giving the piece a distinct national character.The surface is decorated with fine engraving featuring stylized floral motifs framed within linear borders. The back is finished with a crenellated top and pierced elements inspired by carved wooden peasant architecture. The inner side of the lid is adorned with an oval medallion depicting a rooster, reinforcing the symbolism of the domestic hearth and prosperity.The hinged panel bears the engraved proverb: “Without salt and bread, half a meal,” giving the object a strong cultural and symbolic meaning characteristic of Moscow silverware of the late 19th century. The quality of execution, ornamental program, and construction allow the piece to be attributed to the circle of Moscow workshops of the late 19th century, focused on the development of the National Style in decorative arts.Marks: Maker’s mark “I.S.” - Ivan Dmitrievich Saltykov; Russian silver hallmark “84” with Moscow coat of arms (St. George) in an oval shield, 1882–1898.Dimensions: Height: 6.5 cm; Width: 5.5 cm; Depth: 4.5 cm.Weight: 53 g.Condition: Good. Natural patina, signs of use, minor surface scratches and wear. Structure intact, hinge functioning properly.
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