Gilded Silver Ark With Polychrome Enamels. Pavel Ovchinnikov Workshop, Russia, Moscow, 1908–1917

Large presentation kovch in gilded silver, decorated with polychrome cloisonné enamels. The body features prominent fluting, with each facet adorned with elaborate floral compositions combining flowers and foliage. The enamels are applied to alternating green, white, and blue backgrounds, creating a rich, rhythmic decorative surface. The upper portion is encircled by a continuous frieze of leafy and floral arabesques in cloisonné enamel on a matte gold background. The interior is entirely gilded, emphasizing the ceremonial nature of the object. The handle and front panel are decorated with similar floral motifs in polychrome cloisonné enamel on a sky-blue background. The form and ornamentation are in the Neo-Russian style, enriched with Art Nouveau elements, typical of the early 20th-century Moscow school.

Hallmarks: Full hallmark of the “P. Ovchinnikov” firm featuring the double-headed eagle—the mark of a Supplier to the Imperial Court; official hallmark of the Moscow Assay Office, 1908–1917, depicting a woman’s head wearing a kokoshnik turned to the right within an oval cartouche, accompanied by the fineness mark “84” and the Greek letter delta (Δ), identifying the Moscow district.

Dimensions: Height – 13.5 cm; Length – 29.5 cm; Width – 15.5 cm.

Weight: 895 g.

Condition: Good. Slight signs of wear and age. The enamels are well preserved, with no apparent losses. Superficial wear on the vermeil consistent with its age.

Provenance: European private collection.

ID-ANTQ-16172