Large Silver-plated And Cloisonné-enamel Egg

Large egg-shaped box in silver-plated metal and cloisonné enamels.
Polychrome decoration of leafy scrolls, stylized flowers, and geometric motifs in cloisonné enamels on a dark ground. Encircled at the center by a leafy frieze on a sky-blue ground.
Marks under the base: initials “M.K.” and numbering/edition “88/1000”.
Contemporary work in Russian style.
H_11 cm
Very good condition.

Emblems of the luxury and refinement of the Imperial Russian court under the reigns of Alexander III and Nicholas II, eggs adorned with cloisonné enamels have inspired universal fascination. The cloisonné technique consists of forming the outlines of motifs using fine metal wires soldered onto the object, before pouring in vitrified enamels of different colors.

This opening egg, produced in a limited edition of 1,000 examples (here no. 88), belongs to the lineage of decorative creations in the Neo-Russian spirit. It revisits traditional vegetal compositions (panskaïa) and the vividly colored contrasts of Russian cloisonné enamels from the turn of the 20th century.