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SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A CHAIR, IVAN DMITRIEVICH SALTYKOV MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1882–1898
SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A CHAIR, IVAN DMITRIEVICH SALTYKOV MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1882–1898
A rare silver salt cellar in the form of a miniature chair, executed in the Moscow workshop of Ivan Dmitrievich Saltykov in the late 19th century, represents an expressive example of Moscow silver of the Late Historicism period. The composition is conceived as a stylized chair with a high shaped back, pierced “windows,” a hinged front panel, and a rectangular compartment for salt. The architectural interpretation of the object refers to forms of traditional Russian wooden architecture, giving the piece a distinct national character.The surface is decorated with fine engraving featuring stylized floral motifs framed within linear borders. The back is finished with a crenellated top and pierced elements inspired by carved wooden peasant architecture. The inner side of the lid is adorned with an oval medallion depicting a rooster, reinforcing the symbolism of the domestic hearth and prosperity.The hinged panel bears the engraved proverb: “Without salt and bread, half a meal,” giving the object a strong cultural and symbolic meaning characteristic of Moscow silverware of the late 19th century. The quality of execution, ornamental program, and construction allow the piece to be attributed to the circle of Moscow workshops of the late 19th century, focused on the development of the National Style in decorative arts.Marks: Maker’s mark “I.S.” - Ivan Dmitrievich Saltykov; Russian silver hallmark “84” with Moscow coat of arms (St. George) in an oval shield, 1882–1898.Dimensions: Height: 6.5 cm; Width: 5.5 cm; Depth: 4.5 cm.Weight: 53 g.Condition: Good. Natural patina, signs of use, minor surface scratches and wear. Structure intact, hinge functioning properly.
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SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A THRONE WITH ENGRAVED DECORATION RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1870
SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A THRONE WITH ENGRAVED DECORATION RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1870
An elegant silver salt cellar executed in the form of a miniature throne, representing a characteristic example of Moscow artistic silver of the second half of the 19th century. The composition is conceived as a ceremonial seat with a high shaped back, pierced openings, and a hinged front panel providing access to the interior.The sculptural design is distinguished by architectural clarity and decorative richness. The surface is adorned with fine engraved ornamentation featuring stylized floral motifs, garlands, and a central cartouche. The lower section is decorated with rhythmic horizontal bands and a serrated frieze, reinforcing its resemblance to carved wooden prototypes.The interior is gilded, creating a refined contrast with the matte and engraved exterior surfaces. The composition combines utilitarian function with symbolic representation, characteristic of table objects in the merchant and noble households of 19th century Russia.Marks: Maker’s mark “IA” in a rectangular cartouche, attributed to Ivan Alekseev; Moscow assay mark with initials “V.S.” above a line and the date “1870” - assay inspector Viktor Savinkov; Standard mark “84”; Moscow city mark depicting Saint George slaying the dragon.Dimensions: Height: 8 cm; Width: 6.5 cm; Depth: 5 cm.Weight: 88 g.Condition: Good. Partial wear to gilding, with light surface marks consistent with age and use.Provenance: Private collection.
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SILVER SALT CELLAR “CHAIR”. ALEXANDER MUKHIN RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1880
SILVER SALT CELLAR “CHAIR”. ALEXANDER MUKHIN RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1880
An elegant silver salt cellar of rare form, produced at the workshop of Alexander Alexeev MukhIN, a Moscow merchant and owner of a silver manufactory active in the second half of the 19th century, represents a characteristic example of Moscow silver of the Historicist period. The composition takes the form of a miniature chair with a hinged front panel and reflects the established tendency toward the stylization of objects from folk life within the decorative arts of the time.The surface is finely engraved with an imitation of birch bark, executed in the trompe-lœil technique, creating a convincing illusion of natural material. The decorative concept is based on the combination of a “peasant” form with the precision of refined silversmithing typical of Moscow workshops of the late 19th century.The hinged lid is decorated with an ornamental composition centered on an eight-pointed rosette, derived from traditional woodcarving motifs. The pierced backrest and side elements enhance the architectural clarity of the form. The interior is partially gilt.Marks: Maker’s mark “A.M.” (Alexander Alexeev MukhIN) in an oval cartouche, with dots after the initials; Assay mark “A.K.” above a line with the date “1880” (Moscow assay master); State silver mark “84”; Moscow city mark depicting Saint George slaying the dragon; French import mark in the form of a swan in an oval cartouche (import mark applied in France after 1893).Dimensions: Height: 6.5 cm; Width: 6.5 cm; Depth: 4 cm.Weight: 59 g.Condition: Good, with natural patina and minor traces of use.Provenance: Private collection.
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