Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. early 20th century CE. A collection of 4 spoons made of gilt silver with filigree cloisonne enamel on their backs and handles. All have distinct motifs, each a variation of geometric, floral, and vegetal designs. All of them are multicolored, with different shades of blue, green, purple, white, cream, and red. The stems of all 4 are stamped with a series of hallmarks, including an 84 for the silver quality and various makers', assayers', and city marks. Size (of largest): 5.6" L x 1" W (14.2 cm x 2.5 cm); Silver quality: white spoon: 77.5%, light blue spoon: 85%, blue handle spoon: 84%, green handle spoon: 79%; Weight (all together): 92.5 grams

From the mid-19th century to the early 20th, Russian art of all kinds experienced a renaissance that is known as the Silver Age. Russian artisans were inspired by the Gothic, the Moresque, Chinoiserie, the Baroque, the Rococo - all ornate styles, replete with scrolling vines and flourishing arches. They combined this with the bright colors and rich ornament of Old Russian applied art to create a unique style of which silver items like this kovsh, are some of the most enduring. Later Russian artists in the 20th century recreated the styles pioneered by famous Russian silversmith firms like the Grachev Brothers, Ovchinnikov, Kurlyukov, and the most famous - Faberge.

Provenance: ex-Collection of James Farmer, Maryland, USA, collected from major galleries and auction houses between 1995 and 2005

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#163641

Some losses to enamel of white spoon. Other 3 are intact. All are excellent with nice patina.