Silver Cup With Polychrome Enamels. Master Vasili Agafonov, Russia, Moscow, Late 19th Century

This elegant cylindrical silver cup, decorated with enamel and gilding, was crafted in Vassili Agafonov’s workshop in Moscow and is a characteristic example of late 19th-century Moscow silversmithing. The piece is distinguished by a carefully crafted decorative design and a high level of mastery in the art of enameling, characteristic of the capital’s leading workshops.

The central portion of the interior surface is decorated with a painted polychrome enamel scene depicting three small rabbits against a landscape background, executed with delicate variations in form and a soft, harmonious color palette. The composition is framed by a double frieze of enameled “pearls” created using the cloisonné technique in shades of white and blue. The rim of the bowl is embellished with a wide band of polychrome enamel featuring a floral design.

The exterior surface is adorned with a continuous frieze of plant scrolls in polychrome cloisonné enamel on a matte, sandblasted background, creating a particularly expressive contrast of textures. The decoration is complemented by a double row of enameled “pearls” in shades of blue and turquoise. The bowl rests on three ball-shaped feet, emphasizing its ceremonial and refined character.

Hallmarks: Master’s mark “VA” – Vasily Agafonov; Moscow city mark with the indication “84 ” (84 zolotniks) and the coat of arms depicting Saint George slaying the dragon, facing left, corresponding to the period of the 1880s–1890s.

Dimensions: Height: 3.5 cm. Diameter: 8.5 cm.

Weight: 115.8 g.

Condition: Good.

Provenance: Private European collection.

ID-ANTQ-16343