Russian Art Nouveau-style Silver Presentation Kovch. Alexander Vyakova. House C.

An exceptional display kovch created in the early 20th century in the Art Nouveau style by goldsmith Alexander Vyakova for the St. Petersburg branch of the C. Fabergé company. The shape of the kovch is inspired by the silhouette of an ancient Russian ladya, interpreted through the fluid lines and sculptural form characteristic of Russian Art Nouveau. This national-romantic imagery reflects the cultural revival of the era and evokes the decorative world associated with Ivan Bilibin.

The elongated body highlights a bold horizontal composition, reinforcing the allusion to a ceremonial object. The sides are adorned with shield-shaped motifs, set with natural jasper cut into cabochons, adding refined chromatic accents and a harmonious decorative rhythm. The carefully carved handle evokes the stern and rudder of an ancient vessel, underscoring the object’s symbolic and representative character.

This kovch belongs to the category of ceremonial silverware, intended for official gifts or prestigious collections, and perfectly illustrates the high level of artistic design and technical mastery characteristic of Fabergé’s early 20th-century productions.

Hallmarks: The “C. Fabergé” hallmark beneath the double-headed eagle, attesting to production by the St. Petersburg branch; St. Petersburg assay office hallmark from 1908–1917 featuring the letter “a,” a woman’s head wearing a kokoshnik turned to the right, and the fineness mark “84” in an oval cartouche; master’s hallmark “AW” corresponding to silversmith Alexander Vyakova; Fabergé inventory number “18458.”

Dimensions: Height 11 cm, width 13 cm, length 28 cm.
Weight: 625 g.

Condition: Good. Silver with natural patina. Intact jasper inlays. Minor signs of wear consistent with its age.
Provenance: European private collection.

ID-ANTQ-11166