RUSSIAN SILVER HONEY JAR IN THE FORM OF A TRADITIONAL WOVEN BAST BASKET. MOSCOW, 1892

An exceptional Russian silver honey jar, masterfully fashioned in the form of a traditional rural bast basket (kuzovok), representing an outstanding example of the Russian Revival style of the late nineteenth century. The body is skilfully modelled to imitate the relief texture of woven bast, achieved through stamping, embossing and finely executed chasing, creating remarkable sculptural depth and realism. The removable lid is conceived as an ingenious trompe-lœil composition depicting a casually draped woven linen cloth secured with a braided cord. The surface of the cloth is enriched with a finely chased geometric ornament inspired by traditional Russian embroidered textiles, while the delicately rendered fringed edges further enhance the illusion of soft fabric.

Silver objects of this type rank among the finest creations of Moscows leading silversmiths working in the Russian Revival style, a movement that flourished throughout the second half of the nineteenth century. Combining refined craftsmanship with sophisticated artistic conception, this work demonstrates outstanding mastery of decorative silver techniques and an exceptional attention to detail.

Hallmarks: Masters mark ГЛ within a square punch, attributed to Lizerin Girshi Gaselevich. Assay mark with the initials A.S. and the assay year 1892. Standard mark 84 within a square cartouche. Moscow Assay Office mark depicting Saint George on horseback facing left. Assay Master Alexander Alekseevich Smirnov.

Dimensions: Height 15 cm. Width 10 cm. Depth 10 cm.

Weight: 403 g.

Condition: Good condition.