Gilded Silver Salt Shaker In Russian Style. Moscow, 1882

Russian salt shaker in gilded silver, made in Moscow in 1882. Designed in the form of a miniature throne, the object belongs to a style characteristic of Russian silverwork from the last quarter of the 19th century.

The body takes the architectural form of an armchair resting on a rectangular base and topped by a high, openwork backrest in the shape of a scantle. The central panel is adorned with a symmetrical, openwork floral design, framed by friezes composed of diamond-shaped and circular openwork patterns, geometric motifs, and a crenellated border. The composition draws its inspiration from ancient Russian architecture and traditional wood carving.

The silver surface was originally entirely gilded. The body is crafted using a trompe-l’œil technique that mimics the construction and texture of a wooden armchair. The engraved lines, knots, and grain pattern replicate the appearance of individual planks, with particularly expressive detailing on the seat and lower section. This illusionistic technique directly references traditional Russian wooden “chair-shaped” salt shakers.

Hallmarks: Master’s mark “М.Р.” in a rectangular cartouche; Moscow hallmark by assayer Viktor Savinkov “В.С.”, dated 1882, accompanied by the coat of arms of Moscow and the fineness mark 84 zolotniki.

Dimensions: Height: 8.4 cm. Width: 7.9 cm.

Weight: 78 g.

Condition: Good.

ID-ANTQ-16557