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SILVER MATCH SAFE WITH THE IMAGE OF A LESHY IN THE STYLE OF RUSSIAN ART NOUVEAU RUSSIA, CIRCA 1900

SILVER MATCH SAFE WITH THE IMAGE OF A LESHY IN THE STYLE OF RUSSIAN ART NOUVEAU RUSSIA, CIRCA 1900

A silver match safe executed in the expressive style of Russian Art Nouveau, featuring a mythological subject dedicated to the Leshy, the forest spirit of East Slavic folklore. The front is adorned with a sculptural relief bust of the figure, depicted with a wild, tangled beard, a heavy winter hat, and a high fur coat collar. The frightening yet inwardly benevolent grimace emphasizes the dual nature of the Leshy as both a dangerous and protective being. Through the mirage-like plasticity of the form, a female face subtly emerges - an allusive motif referencing folk beliefs about the Leshy’s fondness for misleading and frightening young women, leading them astray in the forest.The reverse side of the match safe is decorated with a relief composition representing a symbolic “bar of offerings-amulets” traditionally presented to the Leshy before entering the forest. Suspended elements inlaid with colored glass and semi-precious stones evoke a ritualistic atmosphere and reinforce the object’s sacral character. Within the depth of the relief, misty silhouettes of children’s and women’s faces appear to emerge from the silver surface, imparting a sense of otherworldly mystery and metaphysical presence associated with forest spirits.Beyond its utilitarian function, the match safe is conceived as a symbolic object. Within the aesthetic framework of Art Nouveau, it functions as a “key” to parallel worlds, a sign of initiation into hidden knowledge and natural forces. The motif of fire, inherent in the object’s practical use, acquires an additional layer of meaning - mastery over the elemental force and protection during travel. Such objects were highly appreciated by collectors and aesthetes of the early twentieth century.Hallmarks: No hallmarks detected. By style, artistic language, and execution technique, the piece is comparable to works by Pyotr Milyukov, a Moscow silversmith and workshop owner associated with the national-romantic branch of Russian Art Nouveau.Dimensions: Height: 6 cm. Width: 4 cm.Weight: 50 g.Condition: Good. Surface with natural patina of age. Minor signs of use. No deformations or losses of decorative elements.Provenance: Private collection.

19th Century Lacquered Wooden Stool in Louis XV Transition Style

19th Century Lacquered Wooden Stool in Louis XV Transition Style

Pair of Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabras, early 19th Century

Pair of Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabras, early 19th Century

Monumental Natural Rock Crystal Cluster from Brazil, 30 kg, collected circa 1980

Monumental Natural Rock Crystal Cluster from Brazil, 30 kg, collected circa 1980

Earrings

An elegant George III giltwood and carton-pierre oval pier glass, late 18th Century

An elegant George III giltwood and carton-pierre oval pier glass, late 18th Century

École du XIXe siècle, paire de natures mortes

École du XIXe siècle, paire de natures mortes

Antonin Carlès (1851-1919) “Youth” Gilt Bronze Sculpture

Antonin Carlès (1851-1919) “Youth” Gilt Bronze Sculpture

Gold ring with diamonds.

Gold ring with diamonds.

Mikhail Itkin book Judaica is the symbolism of the decoration of Jewish ritual objects.

Mikhail Itkin book Judaica is the symbolism of the decoration of Jewish ritual objects.

DESK SILVER NOTEPAD IN OLD RUSSIAN STYLE PETR MILYUKOV, RUSSIA, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

DESK SILVER NOTEPAD IN OLD RUSSIAN STYLE PETR MILYUKOV, RUSSIA, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

A rare cabinet object — a silver-topped desk notepad mounted on a solid green onyx base, crafted in the Old Russian style by the Moscow workshop of Petr Milyukov. The cover features a detailed repoussé depiction of a majestic bogatyr (epic hero) riding through a dense forest. The composition is enriched with Ural semi-precious stones, inset into the warrior’s helmet, armor, forest foliage and the stylized inscription.The lower part of the relief bears an archaic inscription in Church Slavonic script:“The Bogatyr Rides Higher Than the Standing Forest”,emphasizing the allegorical grandeur of the figure, whose stature dwarfs the very woods he traverses.The interior holds a complete block of antique gilt-edged paper sheets. The notepad is fully functional and serves as an exceptional example of Russian decorative art.Marks:Moscow assay mark with a woman’s head in kokoshnik facing right, within an oval cartouche with silver standard “84”; maker’s mark “ПМ” (PM) — Petr Milyukov, Moscow silversmith and workshop owner.Dimensions:Notepad: Length 19 cm, Width 9 cm.Onyx base: 24.5 × 13.5 cmWeight: 2185 gCondition:Good condition consistent with age. Minor signs of use. All decorative elements, stones and inner paper block present. Hinges and clasp mechanism function properly.Provenance:Private collection.

An enamelled copper plate, David Andersen, Olso, Norway, Mid 20th Century.

An enamelled copper plate, David Andersen, Olso, Norway, Mid 20th Century.

Travel drink box (Cave à liqueur)

Travel drink box (Cave à liqueur)

Giclée print on canvas, Hollywood Still Life, 2023, by Kartashov Andrey, Russia, 21st century. 1 of 250 limited prints.

Giclée print on canvas, Hollywood Still Life, 2023, by Kartashov Andrey, Russia, 21st century. 1 of 250 limited prints.

Giclée print on canvas, Dankos Burning Heart, 2023, by Kartashov Andrey, Russia, 21st century. 1 of 250 limited prints.

Giclée print on canvas, Dankos Burning Heart, 2023, by Kartashov Andrey, Russia, 21st century. 1 of 250 limited prints.

Overpainted giclée print on canvas, Six Butterflies of Apocalypse, 2023, by Kartashov Andrey, Russia, 21st century. 1 of 15 tinted prints.

Overpainted giclée print on canvas, Six Butterflies of Apocalypse, 2023, by Kartashov Andrey, Russia, 21st century. 1 of 15 tinted prints.

Antique PEPSI cooler box

Antique PEPSI cooler box

Antique bronze serving dish

Antique bronze serving dish

Mirror in frame of Neo-rococo style. 19th century.

Mirror in frame of Neo-rococo style. 19th century.

Luxurious mirror in the frame of Neo-rococo style, second half of the 19th century. Whimsical decor on gilded wood, cut glass. Internal dimensions 76x60 cm.

Art deco floor candlestick

Art deco floor candlestick

A pair of beautiful Japanese bronze vases

A pair of beautiful Japanese bronze vases

Restored antique two-sided desk

Restored antique two-sided desk

Restored antique display case with beautiful bronze elements

Restored antique display case with beautiful bronze elements

Beautiful tea-coffee service

Beautiful tea-coffee service

UNION HOLLAND GEDER bicycle

UNION HOLLAND GEDER bicycle

Silver-plated coffee set

Silver-plated coffee set

Antique bronze figure Elephant and Lion

Antique bronze figure Elephant and Lion

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