Price
- EUR
Catalogue categories

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.
1500 EUR
Subscribe to our newsletter
Never miss new auctions
Subscribe

Your latest views