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ICON “KURSK-KORENNAYA MOTHER OF GOD OF THE SIGN” RUSSIA, VOLOGDA, 1802
ICON “KURSK-KORENNAYA MOTHER OF GOD OF THE SIGN” RUSSIA, VOLOGDA, 1802
An outstanding monument of Russian Northern icon painting at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, uniting the traditions of the Vologda school with a high level of silver craftsmanship. The icon represents the Most Holy Mother of God of the Orans type – “The Sign”, with the Christ Child depicted in a medallion upon Her breast. The central image is framed within a painted border and surrounded by figures of the Lord Sabaoth and Old Testament prophets holding unfolded scrolls foretelling the Incarnation.Of particular artistic significance is the repoussé silver oklad executed by the silversmith Andrian Ioakimov Klishin in 1802. The composition of the oklad is constructed in strict symmetry characteristic of early Classicism, while preserving the ornamental richness of the Baroque tradition. The vegetal ornament, garlands, cartouches and the radiant halo of the Mother of God are rendered in deep repoussé with refined detailing. Gilded elements emphasize the sacred center of the composition.The icon combines spiritual expressiveness in painting with the virtuosity of Northern Russian silver artistry, demonstrating the high artistic culture of Vologda in the early 19th century.Hallmarks: Maker’s mark “АК” in Cyrillic within a square cartouche – Andrian Ioakimov Klishin; Assay mark of the city of Vologda with the initials “ГШ” – assay master Grigory Shishkin, beneath the date “1802”; Corresponding to Postnikova-Loseva hallmark catalogue No. 310 and No. 324.Dimensions: Height – 41.5 cm; Width – 35 cm.Condition: Good. Minor traces of age on the painted surface and silver oklad. The composition is fully preserved without loss of principal elements.Provenance: Private collection.
5500 EUR
CAUCASIAN SHASHKA WITH GILT SILVER AND BONE DECORATION RUSSIA, 19TH CENTURY
CAUCASIAN SHASHKA WITH GILT SILVER AND BONE DECORATION RUSSIA, 19TH CENTURY
A ceremonial Caucasian shashka executed in the traditions of the North Caucasian arms workshops of the second half of the 19th century. The piece represents a distinguished example of edged weaponry of the Russian Empire, combining martial functionality with refined metal craftsmanship characteristic of Dagestan and related regional centres.The blade is steel, single-edged and moderately curved, with fullers providing both structural strength and lightness. The surface is free of etched ornament, bearing engraving on one side only. Its geometry corresponds to the classical Caucasian shashka type, designed for powerful cutting strokes with extended draw, distinguishing it from European sabres.The hilt is without a guard and features the characteristic “goose-neck” pommel. The grip scales are made of bone and secured with gilt silver mounts. The silver elements are decorated with niello ornament and stylised vegetal motifs, executed in traditional engraving filled with blackened alloy. The contrast between gilt silver, deep niello and light bone creates a striking decorative effect and emphasises the ceremonial nature of the weapon.The scabbard is wooden, leather-covered, and fitted with richly decorated gilt silver mounts. The ornamental system is structured around repeating medallions and stylised vegetal motifs typical of 19th-century Caucasian metalwork. Suspension rings for a sword belt are present. The construction corresponds to the Cossack method of wear adopted after the official inclusion of the shashka into the armament of the Russian Army.The artistic quality of execution, together with the use of gilt silver and bone inlay, suggests a ceremonial or officer’s weapon intended not only for service but also for the display of social rank.Marks: No marks observed on the visible elements.Dimensions: Overall length - 104 cm; Width - 9 cm.Condition: Good. Natural patina to the silver mounts, minor traces of age and light surface scratches to the blade. Decorative elements preserved.Provenance: Private collection.
7500 EUR
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