SILVER VODKA SERVICE IN THE NEO-RUSSIAN STYLE. S. M. IKONNIKOV. RUSSIA

An elegant silver vodka service, made in Moscow in 1881 in the tradition of Russian national historicism, displaying characteristic elements of the Neo-Russian style. Attributed to the workshop of S. M. Ikonnikov, the eight-piece service comprises a decanter with stopper, six vodka cups and a circular tray. Its decorative scheme combines traditional forms of Russian silverware with finely engraved ornament and distinctive motifs inspired by Old Russian architecture and folk art. The decanter is of graceful baluster form, with a rounded body, a tall tapering neck and a moulded foot. Its surface is embellished with engraved ornamental bands, geometric patterns and stylised architectural motifs recalling carved window surrounds and decorative elements of traditional Russian wooden buildings. The central composition incorporates the Cyrillic monogram «В», enclosed within an ornamental border. The six silver vodka cups, each raised on a short moulded foot, are decorated with engraved geometric borders and the inscription «Пейте на здоровье» (Drink to Your Health), rendered in stylised Old Russian lettering. Particular distinction is provided by the shaped, pierced handles in the form of cockerels, a familiar motif in Russian folk and decorative art. The circular silver tray is adorned with an elaborate engraved composition inspired by traditional Russian architecture. Its central design depicts a stylised terem, or traditional Russian tower-house, with a pitched roof, carved window surrounds and symmetrically arranged cockerels, complemented by the Cyrillic monogram «В» within an oval medallion. The surrounding border is engraved with a continuous ornamental frieze of alternating shaped arches, geometric elements and small stars. The harmonious interplay of architectural motifs, engraved ornament and decorative details lends the service the character of a unified artistic ensemble. Materials and Techniques: 84-zolotnik silver, engraving, pierced work and assembled construction. Hallmarks: Moscow assay marks dated 1881, comprising the «84» silver standard mark, the Moscow city mark depicting St George the Victorious, the assay master`s initials «А.К.», and the maker`s mark «СИ», tentatively identified as that of S. M. Ikonnikov, a Moscow silversmith whose activity is documented between 1860 and 1882. Dimensions: Decanter: height 22.5 cm, diameter 11 cm; six vodka cups: height 6 cm, diameter 4.5 cm each; tray: diameter 23 cm. Weight: 888 g (total weight of the service). Condition: Good condition, with signs of use.

Estimate:£1,255.07

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