This exquisite antique set consists of a Kiddush cup and a saucer, crafted in late 19th-century Imperial Russian silver. Both pieces exemplify the fine craftsmanship of the period, blending Russian silversmithing traditions with Jewish ceremonial motifs typical of items produced for communities in the Pale of Settlement.
The Kiddush cup features intricate hand-engraved designs on its exterior, showcasing two primary cartouches: one depicting an architectural scene that appears to represent a stylized tower or historical building (possibly inspired by Jerusalem's Tower of David or a similar landmark, common in Jewish silverware), surrounded by mountainous or arboreal elements; the other displaying a floral arrangement in an urn or vase, with blooming flowers and foliage. These motifs are framed by elaborate borders of geometric patterns, including interlocking knots, zigzags, and braided designs reminiscent of Celtic or traditional Eastern European ornamental styles. The cup has a slightly tapered cylindrical form, flaring gently at the rim, with a smooth, polished exterior that highlights the engraved details. At approximately 2.5 inches tall and 2 inches in diameter at the top, it is compact yet substantial, weighing 51 grams. The base is flat and stable, with all engravings showing skilled artisanship typical of the period's Jewish silversmiths in the Russian Empire.
The saucer complements the cup perfectly, with a circular form, slightly raised rim, and a central engraved border of interlocking geometric patterns (braided or zigzag motifs evoking Russian folk art influences). It measures approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter and weighs 56 grams. The surface displays a polished silver finish with subtle patina from age.
Together, the cup and saucer form a harmonious ceremonial set suitable for Kiddush rituals (blessing wine), display, or collection. The geometric and floral/architectural motifs create a cohesive aesthetic, reflecting the cultural fusion of Russian Imperial silverwork and Jewish iconography.
Origin: Imperial Russia, possibly St. Petersburg or Moscow based on similar assayer marks documented in those cities; however, one hallmark appears to be an eagle, pointing to Warsaw (part of the Russian Empire at the time) or similar provincial centers like Minsk or Kamenetz-Podolsk, where eagle marks were used. Warsaw was a key hub for Jewish silver production in the Pale of Settlement, but the assayer initials do not match the standard documented assayer for Warsaw in the 1880s (Józef Sosnkowski with О.С). The piece reflects the blend of Russian silversmithing with Jewish iconography common in these regions.
Age: Circa 1870-1894 (primarily aligned with the assayer's active period; cup hallmarks suggest late 1870s-1880s, possibly 1880-1889 based on ambiguous date elements). This places the set in the late Imperial period, before the 1899-1908 hallmark reforms that introduced the kokoshnik mark.
Material: Solid silver, hallmarked 84 zolotnik purity (equivalent to 875/1000 or .875 fine silver, the standard Imperial Russian measure—84/96 parts pure silver, typically alloyed with copper for durability). No gilding or other materials present.
Condition: Good to very good antique condition overall, with age-appropriate wear consistent with over 130 years of use and handling. Engravings on both pieces remain sharp and detailed. Minor surface scratches, patina, tarnish in recesses, and subtle dents are present, adding authentic vintage character—no major dents, repairs, structural issues, or restorations evident. Interiors and bases are well-preserved, with normal silver oxidation. The set displays beautifully as-is or can be lightly polished.
Kiddush Cup Hallmarks (on the base):- Central mark: "84" indicating 84 zolotnik purity (.875 fine silver).
- Left of the 84: Assayer's initials in Cyrillic "И.К" (И on left, К on right; possibly an unidentified or provincial assayer, referenced in some sources like Postnikova-Loseva associations around 1874-1878 in major cities, though exact match unclear due to wear).
- Accompanied by year mark: "1880" or "1889" (last digit blurred but consistent with 1880s formats).
- Above the 84: Square-shaped hallmark (likely maker's mark; details indistinct, possibly initials or symbol common for individual artisans).
- Right of the 84: Possibly an eagle (town mark, potentially indicating Warsaw, Minsk, or Kamenetz-Podolsk under Russian rule; however, wear may cause misidentification—could alternatively align with other provincial or major city variants if not eagle).
Saucer Hallmarks (on the underside, reading left to right):- Maker's mark: "Ц.Г" in Cyrillic (Ts.G in Latin; enclosed in cartouche; not definitively matched in standard references like Postnikova-Loseva, but likely a lesser-documented silversmith with corresponding initials).
- Assayer's mark: "И.Е" (Cyrillic for I.E) above a rubbed-off date (likely last two digits of year, e.g., 70-94). Identified as Ivan Vonifatiyevich Yevstigneyev (Иван Вонифатиевич Евстигнеев), assay master active in St. Petersburg (and some records note Moscow associations) during 1870-1894 (or specifically 1875-1882 in Moscow per some sources; configuration here supports St. Petersburg).
- Purity mark: "84" indicating 84 zolotniks (875/1000 fineness).
- City mark: Unclear symbol to the right (likely St. Petersburg's coat of arms: two crossed anchors and scepter; wear obscures details but consistent with period standards).
The hallmarks across both pieces are typical of 1870s-1880s Imperial Russian silver, though exact provincial/city alignments show some variability due to wear and regional practices.
Item dimensions of cup: 2 5/8" tall × 2 1/8" diameter
Weight of cup: 1.9 oz
Item dimensions of saucer: 4 1/8"diameter
Weight of saucer: 2 oz
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