RUSSIAN SILVER VASE WITH A CRYSTAL BOWL, THE FIRM OF IGNATY SAZIKOV

A magnificent large-scale fruit vase executed in St Petersburg in 1870 by the prestigious firm of Ignaty Sazikov, official purveyor to the Imperial Court. The object presents a harmonious synthesis of a substantial silver structure and a removable crystal bowl, exemplifying the highest level of artistic and technical mastery achieved by Russian silversmiths in the second half of the nineteenth century. The silver body is conceived in a fully developed Neo-Rococo manner, distinguished by fluid contours and richly modeled naturalistic ornament. The openwork pedestal is decorated with elaborate pierced foliage motifs and rests on four elegantly curved feet, lending visual lightness to the substantial composition. The central section is enriched with cartouches and shields bearing engraved symbols, presumably of heraldic character. The massive side handles are sculpted in the form of acanthus leaves, gracefully extending into scrolling elements that frame the bowl. The upper section is fitted with an oval crystal bowl featuring spiral cutting and radiating facets, producing a striking play of light and emphasizing the clarity and purity of the material. This type of cutting is characteristic of the finest St Petersburg glass workshops and reflects close collaboration with the Imperial Glass Factory. Marks: Complete firm’s mark beneath the Imperial double-headed eagle – “SAZIKOV”; St Petersburg assay mark dated “1870” with the initials “A.M.” of the assayer Alexander Mitin (1842–1877); State silver mark “84” zolotniki with the city emblem of St Petersburg. Dimensions: Length approx. 45 cm., height 21 cm. Weight: 1265 g (silver part). Condition: Good. Silver with a fine age patina. Minor signs of use. The crystal bowl is free from chips and cracks. Provenance: Private collection.

Estimate:£2,510.15

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