21. Silver bread plate. Andrey Mikhailovich Postnikov factory. Moscow. 1896-1908

An oval silver plate imitating relief bast weaving and basket weaving, made in the workshops of Andrey Mikhailovich Postnikov factory at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The central decorative element is a skillfully executed trompe l`oeil in the form of a large woven napkin - made in the neo-Russian style, popular in the third quarter of the 19th century, and a rare trompe-l`oeil technique, covering part of the surface. The napkin is decorated with a relief geometric pattern in the traditional Russian style, and its edges are framed with long fringe, giving the product a special sophistication. Two handles are made in the form of twisted rope, which enhances the effect of the woven texture. The entire surface of the plate is gilded, creating an effect of wealth and sophistication. Materials and technique: Silver; stamping, embossing, chasing, engraving, gilding. Hallmarks: Master`s mark with the Cyrillic letters AP in a square shield, corresponding to the workshop of Andrei Mikhailovich Postnikov. Coat of arms of the city of Moscow - St. George the Victorious, slaying a dragon with a spear. Assay mark: 88, girl`s head turned to the left. Hard to read initials of the assay master. Dimensions: Height: 7.5 cm, Width: 30.5 cm, Depth: 19.5 cm. Weight: 454 g

Historical background: Andrei Mikhailovich Postnikov is a Moscow merchant of the 2nd guild, the owner of a factory of bronze, silver and gold products. Since 1877 – supplier to the Imperial Court, as well as the Court of Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich and Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna. In 1886, the enterprise became the basis for the “Partnership of the A. M. Postnikov Metal Products Factory”, which existed until 1917. The products of the Postnikov factory workshops were in demand among the nobility and were among the best examples of Russian jewelry art of the 19th century.