An exceptional and profoundly atmospheric piece of late Imperial Russian silver, this richly engraved silver-gilt bowl was assayed in Moscow in 1871 and bears the maker’s mark of the renowned Moscow silversmith Vasily Semyonov (Василий Семенов), one of the leading craftsmen associated with the great Neo-Russian revival movement of the 19th century.
At first glance the decoration appears almost Celtic in spirit, with dense interlaced knotwork, strapwork and geometric bands reminiscent of medieval manuscript illumination or ancient northern European metalwork. In reality, this is a superb example of the romantic Pan-Slavic revival style that swept through Moscow in the decades before the reign of Alexander III, when artists and craftsmen consciously looked back to the art of ancient Rus’, Byzantine ornament and pre-Petrine Russia for inspiration.
The result is a piece of extraordinary visual richness and craftsmanship.
Every surface of the bowl is alive with finely engraved interlace and architectural ornament executed with remarkable precision and depth. The decoration possesses a rhythm and confidence rarely encountered in lesser provincial silver, with alternating bands of knotwork and stylised medallions flowing seamlessly around the compressed rounded body. The oxidised recesses create dramatic contrast against the bright silver surface, giving the bowl exceptional texture and visual depth.
The interior retains its original rich gold wash, glowing warmly against the darkened engraving, while the gilding continues elegantly across the upper rim, foot and base edge — a particularly luxurious and visually sophisticated detail rarely surviving so well after more than 150 years.
Beyond its beauty, gilding served an important practical purpose in luxury Russian table silver, protecting the surface from corrosive delicacies such as salt, caviar and preserves. Here, however, the gilding also functions architecturally, framing the extraordinary engraved ornament with bands of warm gold in a manner reminiscent of illuminated manuscript borders or Byzantine metalwork.
Despite measuring only 76mm in diameter, the bowl weighs a substantial 121.85 grams, giving it the dense, reassuring heft associated with serious Moscow workshop production.
The underside bears a beautifully preserved and unusually clear set of Imperial Russian hallmarks including:
* Moscow assay mark for 1871 * 84 zolotnik silver standard (equivalent to 875 silver purity) * St. George device * Maker’s mark “ВС” for Vasily Semyonov * Assay master’s mark for Viktor Savinkov, the Moscow assay official responsible for overseeing silver standards during this period
The crispness of the marks is particularly impressive and greatly strengthens the bowl’s historical integrity and collectability.
The quality of the engraving, the strength of the hallmarks and the remarkable preservation of the gilding combine to create a genuinely important cabinet object with strong appeal across several collecting fields:
* Imperial Russian silver * Neo-Russian decorative arts * Arts & Crafts interiors * Celtic revival aesthetics * Scandinavian and medieval revival design
This is not simply a silver bowl, but a deeply evocative survival from the great flowering of Russian national romantic decorative arts in the decades before the fall of the Romanov world.
Condition
Very good antique condition overall with remarkably crisp surviving detail throughout, strong original gilding to the interior, rim and foot, and only light age-related surface wear commensurate with careful use and age.
The bowl displays beautifully with exceptional colour, contrast and untouched surface character. No major dents, repairs or erasures noted.
Measurements
* Diameter: 76mm * Weight: 121.85g
Shipping
Will be carefully packed and dispatched fully insured.
From TicketyBooFinds – interesting antiques chosen for their character and craftsmanship. If you enjoy unusual silver, antiques and well-made objects with history, do have a look at my other listings — I’m always adding interesting pieces.