Interior objects - Antiqon Marketplace

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SILVER PHOTO FRAME WITH POLYCHROME CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL. ANTIP KUZMICHEV FACTORY RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1899–1908

SILVER PHOTO FRAME WITH POLYCHROME CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL. ANTIP KUZMICHEV FACTORY RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1899–1908

A Russian silver photo frame produced at the Moscow factory of Antip Ivanovich Kuzmichev at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries represents an accomplished example of high decorative and applied art from the late Historicist period with early Art Nouveau influences. The composition is based on a symmetrical arrangement of two oval apertures unified by an architectural silhouette with a pronounced central cartouche and refined finial. The surface is lavishly decorated with vegetal ornament executed in the cloisonné enamel technique using delicate wire partitions.The polychrome palette features deep cobalt blues, emerald greens, opaque white and wine-red tones, harmoniously contrasted against the warm gilded ground of the silver. The ornamental motifs display rhythmic precision and refined graphic clarity, lending the object a sense of jewelled lightness and artistic sophistication. Faceted glass panels enhance the decorative effect, creating an interplay of light and emphasising the depth of the enamel work.The frame is designed for versatile use, fitted with a stable folding stand for tabletop display and a suspension loop for wall mounting. Such photo frames were intended for formal interiors, serving not only a practical function but also as a prestigious decorative object reflecting the taste and social standing of the owner.Hallmarks: Maker’s mark “AK” in a rectangular cartouche – Antip Ivanovich Kuzmichev; State assay mark with silver fineness “84” and a kokoshnik-headed female profile facing left; Assay master’s mark “IL” – Ivan Lebedkin, Moscow assay district, corresponding to the period 1899–1908.Dimensions: Height: 13.5 cm. Length: 12.6 cm.Weight: 160 g.Condition: Good. Enamel with minor age-related wear, no losses. Stable construction, original glass preserved.Provenance: Private collection.

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.

Silver water jug with engraved glass.

Silver water jug with engraved glass.

Seashore

Signs VI

RUSSIAN PRESENTATION SILVER KOVSH RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1883

RUSSIAN PRESENTATION SILVER KOVSH RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1883

A Russian presentation silver kovsh executed in the traditional ladya form, characteristic of ceremonial drinking vessels of the late nineteenth century. The body is richly engraved with Neo-Russian ornamental motifs inspired by ancient Russian decorative traditions. Along the rim runs a Russian folk proverb: “Beer is good when a bucket costs three coins, they drink it and praise it,” lending the object a strong folkloric and symbolic character. The interior is finely polished, emphasizing both the functional and representative nature of the piece. Such kovshes were intended for festive occasions and commemorative gifts.Marks: Maker’s mark “VV” in Cyrillic (unidentified master); Moscow Assay District mark with initials “V.S” and date “1883”, corresponding to assayer Viktor Savinkov; Silver standard mark “84”.Dimensions: Height 4 cm; length 15.5 cm; width 8.5 cm.Weight: 158 g.Condition: Good overall condition, with clear engraving and minor signs of age.Provenance: Private collection.

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

Liv Square

Peace - diptych

Peace - diptych

From all the seas of the world

From all the seas of the world

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.

Georg Jalin

Fishing nets

In the Forest 1

In the Forest 1

Storm

Composition

Flow

Granada

A Trip I

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