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THRONE-SHAPED SALT CELLAR. CORONATION OF EMPEROR ALEXANDER III RUSSIAN EMPIRE, MOSCOW, 1883
THRONE-SHAPED SALT CELLAR. CORONATION OF EMPEROR ALEXANDER III RUSSIAN EMPIRE, MOSCOW, 1883
A commemorative salt cellar executed in gilt brass, created in connection with the coronation festivities marking the accession of Emperor Alexander III. The body is formed as a stylised throne with a high openwork back, lending the object a pronounced symbolic character and emphasising its memorial function.The backrest is finely engraved with the double-headed eagle of the House of Romanov, depicted with imperial regalia. The heraldic composition is complemented by decorative elements incorporating crosses and star motifs, forming a solemn and official visual programme. The architectural logic of the form is underlined by clear articulation of surfaces and rhythmic ornamental bands.On the front of the base, a Cyrillic inscription “ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ СЕ” (“In Commemoration”) is engraved, a traditional formula used on objects produced for major state occasions. The upper section is fitted with a hinged lid, allowing the piece to be used for its intended purpose. The proportions are well balanced, and the silhouette is austere and monumental, in keeping with the official aesthetic of late Imperial Russian decorative arts.Marks: None observed.Dimensions: Height 13 cm; Length 10 cm.Condition: Good. Gilding with an even, natural patina. Minor signs of age consistent with use. No deformations or losses.Provenance: Coronation celebrations of Emperor Alexander III, Moscow, 1883.
Begins 02.05.2026
SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A THRONE WITH THE PROVERB “EAT BREAD AND SALT, BUT SPEAK THE TRUTH” RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1875
SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A THRONE WITH THE PROVERB “EAT BREAD AND SALT, BUT SPEAK THE TRUTH” RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1875
An elegant silver salt cellar in the form of a miniature throne, representing a characteristic example of Moscow decorative silver of the second half of the 19th century. The architectural composition is conceived as a ceremonial seat with a high shaped back, pierced vertical openings, and a hinged front panel providing access to the interior.The plasticity of the piece is defined by strict symmetry and rich decorative detailing. The surface is finely engraved with geometric and stylised vegetal motifs typical of Moscow workshops of the Historicism period. The central panel features the inscription: “Eat bread and salt, but speak the truth,” executed in a traditional manner using Old Russian script, lending the object a distinctly national character and symbolic meaning.The gilded interior enhances the visual contrast with the matte silver surface, emphasising the festive and ceremonial nature of the piece. The ornamental system, including a serrated edge, engraved hatchings, and stamped elements, demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship and refined execution.Marks: Assay mark “VS” over a line with the date “1875” - Viktor Savinkov, assay master, Moscow; Russian standard mark “84” with the Moscow city emblem (St George); Maker’s mark “LCh” (Cyrillic, unidentified Moscow master, third quarter of the 19th century).Dimensions: Height: 6 cm; Width: 6 cm; Depth: 4 cm.Weight: 57 g.Condition: Good. Even gilding. Minor wear to the base. No deformations, cracks, restorations, or signs of heavy use.Provenance: Private collection.
Begins 02.05.2026
SILVER THRONE-SHAPED SALT CELLAR WITH THE PROVERB «WITHOUT SALT AND WITHOUT BREAD, HALF THE MEAL IS LOST» RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1882
SILVER THRONE-SHAPED SALT CELLAR WITH THE PROVERB «WITHOUT SALT AND WITHOUT BREAD, HALF THE MEAL IS LOST» RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1882
An exquisite silver salt cellar executed in the form of a miniature throne, representing a striking example of Moscow silverwork from the Late Historicism period. The architectural composition is conceived as a ceremonial chair with a high shaped back, a hinged front panel, and a stepped base, lending the object a sense of monumentality within its intimate scale.The decorative scheme is based on fine engraving combined with gilded silver. The ornamental system incorporates geometric and stylized vegetal motifs arranged in balanced, symmetrical compositions. At the center appears an engraved proverb: “Without salt and without bread, half the meal is lost,” endowing the piece with a strong symbolic and cultural significance.The interior is fully gilded, in accordance with traditional methods for salt vessels, both protecting the metal from corrosion and enhancing its refined appearance. The inner side of the backrest is decorated with a medallion depicting a rooster — a traditional symbol of prosperity, domestic well-being, and protection in Russian decorative art.The clarity of form, precision of engraving, and overall quality of execution indicate the work of an accomplished Moscow master operating within the highly developed silversmithing tradition of the second half of the 19th century.Hallmarks: Maker’s mark “СИ” for S. M. Ikonnikov, Moscow, active 1860–1882; assay mark “И.К” above a line with the date “1882”; Moscow city mark; standard mark “84”.Dimensions: Height: 8.5 cm; Width: 7 cm; Depth: 5 cm.Weight: 104 g.Condition: Good. Partial wear to gilding, with minor surface wear consistent with age. No deformations or restorations observed.
Begins 02.05.2026
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