Imperial Russian Box, Solid Silver, Enamel, And Painted Miniature By Ivan Khlebnikov, 1874, 19th Century

A rare and precious solid-silver cigarette case from Imperial Russia, crafted by the prestigious Khlebnikov House, one of the most famous silversmithing workshops in the Russian Empire and a supplier to the Imperial Court.
This piece, dated 1874, is a remarkable testament to the refinement of Russian decorative arts in the second half of the 19th century.

Rectangular in shape with rounded corners, the case features, on one side, a design of polychrome enamels on a guilloché background, executed in shades of cobalt blue, sky blue, white, and translucent red.
In the center is an engraved monogram, framed by a geometric and floral composition of great finesse, characteristic of Khlebnikov’s work.

The other side is adorned with a hand-painted enamel miniature, depicting a young woman in traditional Russian dress, set against a backdrop of rosebushes and foliage.
The quality of the facial modeling, the delicacy of the skin tones, and the rich color palette attest to the craftsmanship of the finest Russian workshops of the era.

The vermeil interior still retains its original strap, designed to hold cigarettes. The box comes with its original case made of brown leather with a wine-red velvet lining.

The hallmarks on the inside allow for precise attribution:

• mark of the Khlebnikov House (ХЛЕБНИКОВЪ);

• Russian hallmarks;

• fineness 88 zolotniks (916/1000 silver);

• date 1874.

Founded by Ivan Petrovich Khlebnikov, the firm established itself as early as the 1860s as one of Russia’s most prestigious goldsmiths, rivaling Fabergé, Ovchinnikov, and Sazikov. Its creations were intended for an aristocratic clientele and the Imperial Court, combining exceptional craftsmanship with a refined taste for enamels and designs inspired by Russian traditions.

A piece of very high quality.

• Length: 12.5 cm long

In very good condition. Enamels and miniature remarkably well-preserved. Slight signs of wear; interior in very good condition.