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Russian art

PAUL BUHRÉ / LE PHARE. GOLD POCKET WATCH WITH MINUTE REPEATER, CHRONOGRAPH, MOON PHASES AND CYRILLIC CALENDAR. CIRCA 1903
PAUL BUHRÉ / LE PHARE. GOLD POCKET WATCH WITH MINUTE REPEATER, CHRONOGRAPH, MOON PHASES AND CYRILLIC CALENDAR. CIRCA 1903
A unique example of a gold pocket watch, created in collaboration between the Swiss manufacture Le Phare and the legendary Imperial Court Supplier Pavel Bure. This extremely rare timepiece features a minute repeater, moon phase indicator, chronograph, Cyrillic calendar apertures, and a rare bridge movement with two hammers and two gongs. Case No. 72647, 59 mm in diameter, crafted in 14K rose gold, is adorned with exquisite guilloché engraving and a partially enameled Russian imperial double-headed eagle crest. The inner lids bear two historically significant inscriptions: — Dedication in Cyrillic: To dear Mitya in gratitude and 30 years of loyal friendship from V. Voronov. 1882–1912 — Signature: Pavel Bure, Supplier to the Court of His Imperial Majesty, confirming the item’s high status.The enamel dial features Roman numerals, Cyrillic calendar apertures for days and months, a date indicator, moon phase aperture, and a 30-minute chronograph counter. Signed: Tchétine et Fils. The movement is a complex bridge caliber with lever escapement, compensated balance wheel, and Swiss patent engraving No. 334. The finishing includes gilding, blued screws, and finely executed surfaces. Marks:— Le Phare with exhibition medals— Pavel Bure— Swiss and Russian assay marks (585 / 14K and 56 zolotnik) Dimensions: 59 mmWeight: 149 g Provenance: Russia / Switzerland, circa 1903Mechanism: Minute repeater, moon phase calendar, chronograph, manual wind
Begins 02.05.2026
THE HOLY MANDYLION (SPAS NERUKOTVORNY) IN A SILVER-GILT ENAMELLED OKLAD BY IVAN TARABROV MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1894
THE HOLY MANDYLION (SPAS NERUKOTVORNY) IN A SILVER-GILT ENAMELLED OKLAD BY IVAN TARABROV MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1894
The Holy Mandylion (Spas Nerukotvorny) is an outstanding example of late 19th-century Russian Orthodox art, in which strict canonical tradition is harmoniously combined with the virtuoso craftsmanship of the Moscow silversmithing school. The image of Christ, executed in tempera on wood, is distinguished by the soft modelling of the features, profound inner concentration, and a penetrating, contemplative gaze. The composition is complemented by two angels holding the cloth bearing the miraculous image, reinforcing the theological meaning and emphasising the idea of divine revelation and heavenly protection.The icon is set within a sumptuous silver-gilt oklad created in 1894 in the renowned Moscow workshop of Ivan Filippovich Tarabrov. The oklad is richly adorned with cloisonné and champlevé enamels. The halo surrounding the face of Christ is decorated with an intricate ornamental design featuring deep blue, red, and white tones set against a gilt and blue ground. A distinctive characteristic of Tarabrov’s workshop is the use of gold foil beneath the red enamel, producing a luminous depth of colour and an inner radiance.The cloth (ubrus) bearing the image of Christ is embellished with finely chased decoration on a silver ground, its edges framed by raised ornamental patterns on gilt surfaces. The corner plaques are adorned with vegetal motifs executed in filigree with enamel infill. The fields of the oklad are further enriched with elegant high-relief vegetal ornamentation and bordered by engraved bands, lending the composition harmony and refinement. Every detail of the oklad testifies to exceptional precision of execution and refined artistic taste, enhancing the sacred and solemn character of the image.Marks: Cyrillic letters “IT” – maker’s mark of the silversmith Ivan Filippovich Tarabrov; Assay mark with the initials of the assay master “L•O” (Oleks Lev Fyodorovich) positioned above the date “1894”; Moscow city mark depicting Saint George slaying the dragon.Technique and materials: Wood, tempera; silver, gilding; cloisonné and champlevé enamels; chasing, engraving, filigree.Dimensions: 31.5 × 28 cm.
Begins 02.05.2026
SILVER-GILT KOVSH WITH POLYCHROME ENAMELS. PAVEL OVTCHINNIKOV FIRM RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1908–1917
SILVER-GILT KOVSH WITH POLYCHROME ENAMELS. PAVEL OVTCHINNIKOV FIRM RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1908–1917
A large ceremonial kovsh executed in silver with gilding and cloisonné polychrome enamels. The body is formed with pronounced gadrooning, each facet adorned with elaborate floral compositions of flowers and scrolling foliage. The enamels are applied on alternating grounds of green, white, and blue, creating a richly rhythmic decorative surface. The upper section is encircled by a continuous frieze of leafy and floral arabesques in cloisonné enamels set against a matte gilt ground. The interior is fully gilt, emphasizing the ceremonial character of the object. The handle and front panel are similarly decorated with floral motifs in cloisonné polychrome enamels on a sky-blue ground. The form and ornamentation reflect the Neo-Russian style combined with elements of Art Nouveau, characteristic of the Moscow school in the early 20th century.Marks: Complete maker’s mark «P. Ovtchinnikoff» with the double-headed eagle – insignia of Purveyor to the Imperial Court; State assay mark of the Moscow Assay District, 1908–1917, depicting a woman’s head in a kokoshnik facing right within an oval cartouche, accompanied by the silver standard mark “84” and the Greek letter delta (Δ), identifying the Moscow Assay District.Dimensions: Height – 13.5 cm; Length – 29.5 cm; Width – 15.5 cm.Weight: 895 g.Condition: Good. Minor wear consistent with age and use. The enamels are well preserved, without evident losses. Light surface wear to the gilding consistent with age and handling.Provenance: Private European collection.
Begins 02.05.2026
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