TEA AND COFFEE SET BY P. OVCHINNIKOV MOSCOW, LATE 19TH CENTURY
A magnificent gilded silver tea and coffee set created by the renowned Moscow firm of Pavel Ovchinnikov in the late 19th century, representing an outstanding example of Russian jewelry craftsmanship of the era. This refined ensemble, comprising a coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl, cream jug, and a set of six spoons, embodies the essence of the Russian Revival style, combining national motifs, decorative richness, and exceptional technical execution.Each piece is adorned with medallions depicting views of the Moscow Kremlin, executed in niello, one of the most intricate and elegant decorative techniques in silverwork. The niello ornamentation frames architectural scenes with a sense of depth and precision, while the gilding lends a warm tone that enhances the contrast and sculptural clarity of the forms.The spoons feature miniature architectural scenes on the reverse, including St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin, the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the towers of Kitay-gorod, and panoramic views of Red Square. Each image is executed with exquisite precision characteristic of Ovchinnikov’s finest work. The set is preserved in its original fitted case, embossed in gold with the inscription “FROM THE STORE OF THE MANUFACTURER P.A. OVCHINNIKOV” beneath the Russian Imperial coat of arms, indicating its sale through the Imperial Court Supplier’s official shop.Marks: Full and small maker’s marks of P. Ovchinnikov beneath a double-headed eagle, small mark “PO,” Moscow assay office mark with the stamp of Viktor Savinkov (active 1855–1888), dated 1872, state assay mark depicting St. George slaying the dragon, Russian 84 silver standard mark in a square shield with chamfered corners, later Latvian 875 mark with a girl’s head facing left (1922–1939) and the letter “A,” master’s mark “VS” for Vasily Semyonov.Dimensions: Coffee pot 24.5 × 12.6 × 24.0 cm, Sugar bowl 17.5 × 18.0 × 12.2 cm, Cream jug 11.8 × 8.2 × 9.6 cm, Spoons 10.5 × 2 cm.Weight: 1288 gMaterials: Silver 84 standard, gilding, niello, carving, casting, bone.Condition: Good collector’s condition. Partial wear to gilding and minor traces of age on niello consistent with use. Ornamentation remains sharp and detailed. Original case preserved with gold embossing and velvet interior.Provenance: Private European collection.
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