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RUSSIAN ART NOUVEAU KOVSH WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMELS. FYODOR RUCKERT RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1908–1917
RUSSIAN ART NOUVEAU KOVSH WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMELS. FYODOR RUCKERT RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1908–1917
A museum-quality silver kovsh created in the workshop of Fyodor Ivanovich Ruckert, one of the most distinguished masters of the Moscow school of cloisonné enamel and the leading enameller for the firm of Carl Fabergé. While rooted in the traditional form of Russian ceremonial drinking vessels, the kovsh is here transformed into a refined work of decorative art, transcending its utilitarian origins. The cylindrical body with a softly profiled, undulating rim and a transverse heart-shaped handle forms a balanced and harmoniously proportioned silhouette.The entire exterior surface of the body and the upper plane of the handle are covered with finely executed cloisonné enamels, demonstrating an exceptional command of line and colour. The ornamental programme reflects Ruckert’s mature synthesis of geometric and vegetal motifs. A deep brown enamel ground, characteristic of the master’s oeuvre, provides a rich backdrop for vivid blue triangles, lozenges and lattice bands, complemented by stylised floral motifs in pink and light blue with turquoise accents.The composition is organised in rhythmically structured ornamental zones that emphasise the rounded form and create a sense of internal movement. The front and reverse are accentuated with geometric spirals, lozenges and triangular forms, interpretable as symbols of water, solar imagery and Northern ornamental traditions. Particularly striking are the applied silver elements in the form of droplets, crosses and grilles, which add depth, relief and a subtle play of light, enhancing the poetic association with the Russian North that is central to the aesthetics of Russian Art Nouveau.The interior is fully gilt, underscoring the ceremonial nature of the piece and confirming its status as a work of high artistic silver, intended primarily for representational and symbolic use.Marks: Maker’s mark with Cyrillic initials “FR” in a square punch – Fyodor Ivanovich Ruckert; Moscow assay mark with silver standard “88” and a female head facing right within an oval cartouche; Moscow city mark of the period 1908–1917.Dimensions: Height – 4.5 cm; diameter – 5 cm.Weight: 83 g.Condition: Good. Cloisonné enamels are vibrant and intact, without visible losses or chips. Minor signs of age and use consistent with the period. The interior gilding is evenly preserved.Provenance: Sotheby’s auction.
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SWEETMEAT BASKET WITH VIEWS OF MOSCOW PAVEL OVCHINNIKOV FIRM, MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1875
SWEETMEAT BASKET WITH VIEWS OF MOSCOW PAVEL OVCHINNIKOV FIRM, MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1875
A rare and refined example of Russian decorative art from the second half of the 19th century – a sweetmeat basket with a hinged handle, created in 1875 by the renowned Moscow silversmith Pavel Ovchinnikov, official Purveyor to the Imperial Court.The rounded vessel with low neck and gently flaring body is adorned in the niello technique with a fully gilded interior. Its central decoration consists of two oval cartouches finely engraved with architectural panoramas of Moscow:– one side presents the façade of the Grand Kremlin Palace and adjacent churches;– the other depicts Red Square with the Nikolskaya Tower and Kremlin walls.These engraved panoramas, exquisitely executed in niello, are framed by delicate vegetal ornamentation in the Neo-Russian style. The hinged handle is decorated with an engraved twisted motif that harmoniously completes the overall design. The object demonstrates artistic precision, cultural iconography and the highest level of technical craftsmanship characteristic of the Ovchinnikov workshop.Marks: Maker’s mark beneath the double-headed eagle – “P. Ovchinnikov” (in a rectangle beneath the emblem); Assayer’s mark “I.K” above a line and dated “1875” (unidentified Moscow assayer); State hallmark with silver standard “84” and the Moscow city arms (Saint George slaying the dragon); Master’s mark “VS” – Vasily Semyonov, Moscow silversmith and founder of a workshop active since 1852.Dimensions: Diameter: 11 cm; body height: 5 cm; height with raised handle: 12 cmWeight: 204 gCondition: Good. Gilding is even. Minor surface wear to the base. No dents, cracks, restorations or signs of active use.Provenance: Moscow, Pavel Ovchinnikov firm – Purveyor to the Imperial Court. Private collection.
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RUSSIAN SILVER BOX WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL IN THE FORM OF ROOSTERS PAVEL OVCHINNIKOV FIRM, MOSCOW, 1882
RUSSIAN SILVER BOX WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL IN THE FORM OF ROOSTERS PAVEL OVCHINNIKOV FIRM, MOSCOW, 1882
A rare example of Russian jewelry art from the late 19th century — a decorative silver box in the Neo-Russian Renaissance style, created in 1882 at the Moscow workshop of the Imperial Court supplier Pavel Ovchinnikov.The box is richly decorated with polychrome cloisonné enamel on a gilded background. Its square body with chamfered corners rests on four massive bird-claw feet reminiscent of rooster talons. Particular attention is drawn to the two side handles shaped as stylized rooster heads — a vivid example of Neo-Russian decorative vocabulary.The sides are adorned with alternating arcades, floral elements, and stylized vegetal motifs. The lid is inlaid with a complex enamel medallion featuring a central monogram, framed by geometric and botanical ornaments in a blue-green palette. The interior is entirely gilded.The piece embodies the stylistic aesthetics of Russian folklore and Orthodox symbolism, masterfully executed in precious material by the finest craftsmen of the late 19th century.Marks: Moscow assay office, dated 1882, 88 standard silver, makers mark OVCHINNIKOV beneath the double-headed eagle — supplier to the Imperial Court.Dimensions: Height: 6 cm. Width: 10 cm. Depth: 7 cm.Weight: 287 gCondition: Good overall condition. Minor enamel losses.Provenance: Made by the firm of Pavel Ovchinnikov in Moscow, official supplier to the Imperial Court of Russia.
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