Saltcellar
Saltcellar
Russia, Moscow
1889
A.Kuzmichev bronze and silverware factory
Silver; enamel over filigree, chasing, gilding
13.7 х 7.5 х 7.8 cm
Marks: "A.Kuzmichev", on the sides two round medallions with the legend "CRAFTS EXHIBITION 1885", "AIK", "A.A./1889", "88", emblem of Moscow
Saltcellar in the Russian style in the form of a peasant wooden salt cellar – a chair with four stepped legs, circular chair back with keel end and a lift-up lid – the seat. The edges of the chair back and seat are scalloped and filled with turquoise enamel frame with red (the seat) or white (the back) insets. The monogram "ESA" in round frames in the form of filigree enamel bands' row and stripes filled with geometric ornament, against chiselled background is n the back centre. The seat lid is decorated with semi-circular frame with foliage curls and flowers inside. Rows of filigree enamel rings and stylised trefoil lily decorate the saltcellar lateral sides.
The enamel colour scheme is built on a combination of green, turquoise, blue, white and red tints.
The salt cellar reproduces the share of old Russian festival peasants' salt cellars. The rich pattern of enamel decoration evokes wood carving, and the monogram on the back illustrates that the piece was made-to-order, as a gift.
The mark "CRAFTS EXHIBITION 1885" is a reminder of the 1st Crafts Exhibition held in Moscow in 1885 in the honour of the anniversary of Empress Catharine the Great granting independent rights to the class of craftsmen. A.Kuzmichev's firm presented its works and won a medal from the Committee of the 1st Crafts Exhibition in the honour of 100 years of existence of the Craftsmen Society
Инв.850/ДПИ