Important covered vessel on a spreading foot in vermeil (gilt silver) and polychrome cloisonné enamel, decorated in the neo-Russian style with geometric friezes, leafy scrolls, rosettes and mythological Sirin birds within polylobed medallions in shades of blue, red, green, white and pink on a matte silver ground. The cover is surmounted by an umbrella-shaped finial topped with an enamelled knop; its fish-scale decoration recalls a mermaid’s tail.
Cyrillic master goldsmith’s mark of Pavel Ovchinnikov (1830–1888) under the Imperial warrant (double-headed eagle), assay master’s mark for Anatoly Artsybashev dated 1896, 84 zolotniks standard mark and Moscow town mark. Further assay and maker’s initials are repeated on the rim and neck.
Moscow, 1896.
Dimensions: H 15.5 cm × D 11.5 cm; base diameter 7 cm.
Condition: very good overall condition.
Founded in 1853, the Pavel Ovchinnikov firm was among the most prestigious silversmiths of the Russian Empire and an official supplier to the Imperial Court. The firm became particularly renowned for its exceptional mastery of cloisonné and painted enamels.
