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SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A THRONE. MASTER P. P. MILYUKOV RUSSIAN EMPIRE, MOSCOW, 1895
SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A THRONE. MASTER P. P. MILYUKOV RUSSIAN EMPIRE, MOSCOW, 1895
An elegant silver salt cellar, executed in the workshop of Pyotr Pavlovich Milyukov in 1895 and conceived in the form of a throne with a high openwork back and a hinged front panel, represents a characteristic example of Moscow silverwork of the late 19th century. The artistic composition is based on an architectural metaphor of a ceremonial chair, lending the object a symbolic and dignified presence while preserving its utilitarian function.The rectangular body stands on profiled feet. The front, side, and rear panels are decorated with engraved geometrized ornamentation built on symmetry, zigzag lines, and interlaced motifs characteristic of Historicism and the Neo-Russian style. The high back is executed in pierced openwork technique with vegetal ornament and a central circular medallion.The hinged front panel bears an engraved inscription: “Without salt and bread, half the meal is missing”, rendered in a stylized Cyrillic script. This proverbial phrase emphasizes the object’s connection to Russian dining traditions and imparts a pronounced symbolic and likely gift-related character.The interior of the bowl retains traces of original gilding, traditionally applied to protect silver from the corrosive effects of salt. The quality of execution and precision of engraving attest to the high professional standards of a Moscow workshop of the period.Hallmarks: Full maker’s mark “P. Milyukov”; Moscow Assay Office mark with the date “1895”; State assay mark “84” with the Moscow city emblem (St. George).Dimensions: Height: 9 cm. Width: 8 cm. Depth: 5.5 cm.Weight: 68 g.Provenance: Private collection.
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SILVER SALT THRONE WITH PROVERB. MASTER S. M. IKONNIKOV RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1880
SILVER SALT THRONE WITH PROVERB. MASTER S. M. IKONNIKOV RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1880
An expressive example of Russian silverware from the second half of the 19th century, executed in the form of a ceremonial throne with a high sculptural back and a hinged lid. The salt throne derives from ancient Russian dining traditions, where salt occupied a position of honor at the table as a symbol of prosperity, hospitality, and domestic well-being. The composition is architecturally conceived, featuring a stepped base, a pronounced pedestal, and a richly articulated ornamental program.The decoration is executed in fine engraved technique and incorporates geometric bands, stylized vegetal motifs, and elements characteristic of the Pan-Slavic Revival. The sides of the backrest are adorned with fantastical birds rendered in a Neo-Russian ornamental idiom. The central field of the back is organized as an architectural portal with symbolic motifs referencing Old Russian decorative vocabulary. The interior of the salt compartment is fully gilded, emphasizing the ceremonial nature of the object.The inner surface of the hinged lid bears an engraved proverb:“Without salt and bread, a meal is only half complete,”highlighting the philosophical and folkloric significance of the piece and its connection to traditional customs and domestic rituals.Marks:Maker’s mark “СИ” in a square - S. M. Ikonnikov, Moscow silversmith; Assayer’s mark with initials “A.A” above the date “1880” - Anatoly Apollonovich Artsybashev, Moscow assayer; Silver standard mark “84”; Moscow city mark depicting Saint George slaying the dragon.Dimensions: Height 10.5 cm; width 8.5 cm; depth 6 cm.Weight: 160 g.Condition: Good condition. Silver with natural patina. Gilding to the interior well preserved. Minor signs of age and careful use consistent with the period.Provenance: Private European collection.
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