Interior objects - Antiqon Marketplace

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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.

Crystal vase with silver finish

Crystal vase with silver finish

Gold ring with diamonds.

Gold ring with diamonds.

Potvase for flowers Poppies

Potvase for flowers Poppies

Porcelain fruit bowl

Porcelain fruit bowl

Ceramic vase

Classicism style majolica flower pot

Classicism style majolica flower pot

Natural landscape with river and poppies

Natural landscape with river and poppies

Collage

Plan of Narva and Ivangorod during the Northern War. Charles XII.

Plan of Narva and Ivangorod during the Northern War. Charles XII.

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.

Silver water jug with engraved glass.

Silver water jug with engraved glass.

Seashore

Signs VI

Landscape

City view

Large candy bowl 15 Moscow artel of jewelers. Russia. 1908-1917

Large candy bowl 15 Moscow artel of jewelers. Russia. 1908-1917

Carps

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.

Liv Square

Peace - diptych

Peace - diptych

From all the seas of the world

From all the seas of the world

Georg Jalin

Fishing nets

In the Forest 1

In the Forest 1

Storm

Composition

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Crystal vase in silver.

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Butter dish. Europe. 20th century.

Kuznetsovs porcelain teapot.

Kuznetsovs porcelain teapot.