An oval snuff box by Maria Vassilievna Semenova (1856–1916), in silver-gilt (vermeil), cloisonné enamel, shaded enamel and miniature painted enamel.
The lid is decorated with a pictorial medallion of lily of the valley and forget-me-nots on a pink ground, framed by white enamel dots. The sides are richly ornamented with polychrome foliate scrolls and arabesques in cloisonné enamel on a black ground.
Marked for Maria Semenova, with the 84 zolotniks standard mark, a left-facing kokoshnik head and Moscow district assay letter. Moscow, 1899–1908.
Height: 2 cm. Width: 7.5 cm. Depth: 5.3 cm.
Condition: Perfect condition.
Provenance: Important private collection.
Maria Semenova continued the Moscow silversmith’s workshop founded by her father, Vasily Semenov. Her workshop is renowned for its shaded and cloisonné enamels; the delicate botanical decoration of this box reflects the influence of Art Nouveau on Russian decorative arts at the turn of the 20th century.
