Enamelled Silver Egg, Imperial Russia, Ca. 1870–1890

Elegant decorative egg in enamelled silver, probably crafted in Moscow during the second half of the 19th century, in the Imperial period. The piece, of refined taste and clear technical mastery, features a deep cobalt-blue translucent enamel, enriched with gilt silver details and finely chased ornaments.
The surface displays graceful vegetal and heraldic motifs, including a gilded double-headed eagle, emblem of the Russian Empire. The top is adorned with a green-enameled flower with a pink central stone, while the base holds a grey agate cabochon.
The gilded interior shows small floral fixings, one of which is missing. Minor chips to the blue enamel testify to an old fall or impact, yet the overall appearance remains elegant and harmonious.
The rim bears the hallmark “88” within a rectangular cartouche, indicating silver of 88 zolotniks (916 ‰), used in Russia until 1896. Next to it appears a second punch with Cyrillic letters “МШ” (M-Sh), most likely referring to Mikhail Dmitrievich Shein, silversmith active in Moscow between 1867 and 1888, known for his refined translucent enamels.The city and assay mark seem partly abraded, yet their layout matches Moscow silverwork of the same era.
Technical details
Material: silver 916 ‰ (hallmarked 88), translucent blue enamel, gilt interior
Stones: agate cabochon; small decorative stones (likely paste or zircons, to be verified)
Dimensions: height 7.5 cm – diameter 5.5 cm
Total weight: 165 g
Provenance: private collection, Italy
Period: Imperial Russia, circa 1870–1890
Attribution: probable Moscow workshop; hallmarks related to Mikhail Dmitrievich Shein

Condition
Good overall condition; some small enamel losses and a missing inner floral fitting.Light oxidations consistent with age.
Context
The “88” mark confirms Imperial Russian manufacture, while the “МШ” initials suggest a likely connection with Moscow silversmithing and possibly the workshop of Mikhail Shein.Works of this type, distinguished by refined enamels and Imperial symbolism, belong to the pre-Fabergé tradition of 19th-century Russian luxury silverwork.

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