16. Russian silver tea and coffee set by P. Ovchinnikov, Moscow, 1872

A magnificent gilded silver tea and coffee set created by the famous Moscow firm of Pavel Ovchinnikov in 1872. This exquisite set includes a coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl and milk jug. The skillful execution in the niello technique with oval medallions depicting the Kremlin churches makes it an outstanding example of Russian jewelry art of the era. The service combines the traditional Russian style popular in Russia in the third quarter of the 19th century. It is decorated with exquisite ornamental motifs embodied in complex carving and casting. Each item of the service is decorated with oval medallions depicting the cathedrals of the Moscow Kremlin, made in the niello technique. Along the perimeter of the side surface, nielloed ornamental patterns are applied, characteristic of the Russian style of the mid-19th century. Gilding adds luxury and sophistication to the service. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail: filigree cast elements, carved decorations and smooth lines of the silhouettes. Hallmarks: Full and small hallmark of the P. Ovchinnikov firm under a double-headed eagle in a rectangular shield. Small hallmark with the initials PO. Assay mark of the Moscow Assay Chamber: mark of assay master Viktor Savinkov (active 1855-1888), year 1872. Russian hallmark of silver of 84 assay value in a square shield with beveled corners. Moscow assay mark with the image of St. George the Victorious on horseback. Later hallmarks: Latvian assay mark 875 with the head of a girl turned to the left (1922-1939), letter A. Dimensions: Coffee pot: 13.5 x 17 x 9 cm. Teapot: 15.5 x 11.4 x 8.5 cm. Sugar bowl: 15 x 9.3 x 9.5 cm. Milk jug: 12.2 x 6.8 x 7.5 cm. Total weight: 1193 grams. Condition: The items are in good collectible condition. The gilding is preserved, the niello is made with minor abrasions in some places, the ornamental elements are clear and detailed. A completely original set of historical and artistic value. Materials: Silver 84, gilding, niello, carving, casting, bone.

Historical background: The firm of Pavel Ovchinnikov, founded in 1853 in Moscow, was one of the leading jewelry workshops of the Russian Empire. Ovchinnikov received the title of official supplier to the Imperial Court and actively collaborated with Russian nobility and aristocracy. The workshop was famous for its works in the traditional Russian style, combining unique technologies of blackening, gilding and enamel with the mastery of jewelry execution. The company`s products were repeatedly awarded at international exhibitions, including in Paris and London. After the revolution of 1917, production ceased its activities, but Ovchinnikov`s legacy remains one of the symbols of Russian decorative and applied art of the 19th century.