SILVER CIGARETTE CASE AND MATCHBOX WITH GILT AND CLOINOISED ENAMEL Master V. Akimov, Moscow, 1899-1908

An exquisite silver cigarette case and matchbox, covered in gilt and decorated with fine cloisonné enamel. The decoration includes delicate curls of foliage and floral motifs in soft pastel shades, executed with the highest craftsmanship. The central cartouches on one side of the pieces depict marine scenes, conveying an atmosphere of aristocratic taste. The set is kept in the original wooden box with velvet trim, on which the initials of the master VA are minted in Cyrillic, as well as the hallmark 84 standard, confirming the quality of the silver. Dimensions: Cigarette case: 9.7 cm. Matchbox: 6.3 cm. Weight: Gross: 260.6 g. Provenance: Private collection. Sale: Sotheby`s Olympia, Russian Paintings, Works of Art and Icons, 20 May 2005, lot 28.