SILVER FILIGREE AND POLYCHROME ENAMEL VESTA CASE. WORKSHOP OF SERGEI SHAPOSHNIKOV. MOSCOW, 1899–1908

An exquisite Russian silver vesta case of rectangular form, crafted in Moscow between 1899 and 1908 in the workshop of Sergei Ivanovich Shaposhnikov. This refined object is an outstanding example of the Russian Revival style, one of the defining artistic movements of Russian decorative arts at the turn of the twentieth century.

The body is executed in 84 zolotnik silver and entirely adorned with exceptionally fine filigree enriched with polychrome enamel. The intricate ornament is composed of intertwining foliate scrolls, stylised blossoms and diagonal strapwork inspired by the ornamental vocabulary of medieval Russian decorative art. The openwork filigree is filled with translucent and opaque enamels in vivid shades of turquoise, cobalt blue, white, crimson, green and golden yellow, creating a richly textured and highly decorative surface. The striking interplay between the delicate silver filigree and vibrant enamelwork highlights the extraordinary craftsmanship of Moscow`s leading jewellers of the early twentieth century.

Luxury accessories of this kind were created for discerning patrons and embodied the ambition of Russian silversmiths to unite national artistic traditions with the highest standards of goldsmithing. Works produced by the workshop of Sergei Shaposhnikov are preserved in important museum collections, including the State Historical Museum in Moscow.

Hallmarks: Russian 84 zolotnik silver assay mark with the profile of a woman in a kokoshnik facing left, accompanied by the initials ИЛ of Ivan Lebedkin, Assay Master for the Moscow Assay District, 1899–1908. Maker`s mark СШ for the workshop of Sergei Ivanovich Shaposhnikov.

Dimensions: 6 × 4 × 2.3 cm.

Weight: 52 g.

Condition: Good overall condition. Minor enamel losses along the edges consistent with age and use. The silver body and filigree decoration remain well preserved.