The lid is adorned with a miniature en plein enamel painting depicting a peasant girl holding a sickle against a backdrop of a sunlit wheat field. This scene is more than a genre motif—it symbolizes the labor of the Russian peasantry, idealized in late 19th-century culture. The image is executed with remarkable detail, combining realism and lyricism, typical of the Russian enamel tradition.
The enamel miniature is set within an oval frame decorated with sinuous vegetal scrolls in bright cloisonné enamel. The use of vivid hues—blue, turquoise, cobalt, green, and white—against a gilded background enhances the composition’s vibrancy and ornamentation. The reverse of the case mirrors this style, featuring floral scrollwork around a central cartouche likely intended for an inscription or monogram.
This work exemplifies the key traits of the Moscow enamel school: the fusion of painting and cloisonné, fine execution, and a harmonious balance between utility and artistic value. Such cigarette cases were often commissioned as prestigious gifts and were produced in small numbers for wealthy clients.
Marks:Maker’s mark: initials JFA (Latin) in a rectangular cartouche, identifying Ivan Fyodorovich Andreev, active in Moscow in the second half of the 19th century.Assay mark: AR above the date 1887—an unidentified Moscow assay master, likely Arkady Romanov (active 1888–1894).State hallmark: 84 silver standard (8751000), Moscow city mark — Saint George on horseback, within a rectangular shield with chamfered corners.
Dimensions:Length — 11.3 cmWidth — 7 cm
Weight:246 grams
Provenance:Christie’s London, 9 June 2009, Lot 150.
The Moscow school of enameling emerged as a leading force in decorative arts. Unlike their St. Petersburg counterparts, Moscow jewelers favored vivid color palettes, intricate painting, and the combination of cloisonné and pictorial enamel. These features are clearly reflected in this cigarette case by Ivan Andreev, where the idealized figure of a peasant girl becomes not only a genre image but a patriotic statement.
The composition draws upon iconographic principles: the central image is framed and surrounded by ornamentation, resembling a secular icon. This transformation of everyday objects into symbolic artefacts is a hallmark of late 19th-century Russian artistic consciousness.
Cigarette cases, as personal and prestigious items, became recognized art objects, combining craftsmanship, cultural meaning, and technological refinement. Such items were often presented as diplomatic gifts or collected by members of the elite.
Despite the scarcity of biographical details, Ivan Fyodorovich Andreev is associated with high-quality jewelry production, much of which was exported abroad. Items bearing his mark are found in museum collections and major auctions. The 1887 case stands out as a rare example of compositional elegance, precision, and deep cultural resonance.
Very good condition with minor signs of wear. Enamel intact, gilding slightly worn.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
