Eastern Europe, Russia, Imperial period, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fine collection of 4 gilt silver, brass, and cloisonne utensils. The first is a brass and gilt spoon with lovely cloisonne upon the backside of the bowl. The handle features a twisted profile with a cloisonne top. It was etiquette to place spoons with their backsides facing up at table settings, an area artisan filled with pretty cloisonne. Next are two 81% silver cocktail forks with gilt and enamel decoration along the handles. Last is an 84% silver sugar cube tong with cloisonne along the handles and basins. These attractive pieces are marked with faint assay and maker marks. Size of spoon: 4.5" L x 0.8" W (11.4 cm x 2 cm); quality of silver: 81% to 84%; total weight of the 3 silver pieces: 30.3 grams.
From the mid-19th century to the early 20th, Russian art of all kinds experienced a renaissance that is known as the Silver Age. Russian artisans were inspired by the Gothic, the Moresque, chinoiserie, the Baroque, the Rococo - all ornate styles replete with scrolling vines and flourishing arches. They combined this with the bright colors and rich ornament of Old Russian applied art to create a unique style.
Provenance: ex-Collection of James Farmer, Maryland, USA, collected from major galleries and auction houses between 1995 and 2005
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#163647
Condition
Nicks and chips to enamel with cleanable patina on metal areas to all. Chip to tip of spoon and sable fissure on neck. Softening of maker and assay marks on all.