SILVER CIGARETTE CASE AND MATCHBOX WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL.MOSCOW, MASTER V. AKIMOV, 1899–1908

SILVER CIGARETTE CASE AND MATCHBOX WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL.MOSCOW, MASTER V. AKIMOV, 1899–1908

ID-ANTQ-12284

November 29, 2025 12:00 PM GMT+02:00
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3000 - 5000 EUR

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A refined silver cigarette case and matchbox, produced at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in the Moscow workshop of Vladimir Akimov. Lavishly decorated with delicate cloisonné enamel over a gilt ground, the items feature finely painted floral garlands and scrolling acanthus in soft pastel hues. The central cartouches present maritime scenes with sailing ships, adding a romantic accent and underlining the aristocratic taste of the owner. A beaded border of white enamel enhances the volume and refinement of the composition. Housed in the original wooden case with red velvet lining.

Hallmarks:Moscow district assay office hallmark of the period 1899–1908, depicting a female head in kokoshnik facing left, in an oval reserve, with the initials of the assay master Ivan Sergeyevich Lebedkin and the number 84 indicating silver fineness. Makers mark VA in a rectangular reserve, attributed to silversmith Vladimir Nikitich Akimov.

Dimensions:Cigarette case: 9 × 7.5 × 1.5 cm; Matchbox: 6 × 4 × 2 cm

Weight:Total gross weight: 259 g (cigarette case – 190 g; matchbox – 69 g)

Condition:Good collectible condition. Enamel and gilding well-preserved, no significant losses. Original case with minor age-appropriate signs of use.Provenance:Private collection. Sale: Sotheby’s Olympia, Russian Pictures, Works of Art and Icons, 20 May 2005, Lot 28.

Art:

russia

Height:

4 cm

Width:

18 cm

Depth:

14 cm

Period:

At the turn of 19th -20th century

Style:

Romanticism

Country:

Russia, Moscow

Material:

Silver 84, Cloisonné enamel, Gilding

Condition:

Revive

Fair

Good

Very good

Like new

At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, refined objets dart intended for daily use by the aristocracy and wealthy bourgeoisie became widely popular in the Russian Empire. Among them, silver cigarette cases and matchboxes decorated with cloisonné enamel held a prominent place. Revived and perfected by Moscow artisans, the technique became a hallmark of elite Russian craftsmanship.

Silversmith Vladimir Akimov was one of the leading representatives of the Moscow enamel school. As early as 1860, his workshop employed 10 journeymen and 5 apprentices, indicating both the scale and the high demand for his production.

The maritime scenes adorning the central cartouches reference travel, exploration, and the romantic imagery so prized at the time. The pastel color palette, enhanced by translucent gilding, creates a shimmering and animated surface effect.

Objects of this type, executed in cloisonné, were frequently intended as gifts, displayed in ceremonial interiors, and exhibited at international expositions.

In good collectible condition. Enamel intact, gilding vibrant, original case preserved with minor signs of use consistent with age.

The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.

It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.

Workshop of Vladimir Akimov (since 1860 – early 20th century)
The name of Vladimir Akimov holds an honorable place among the silversmiths and enamellers of the second half of the 19th century. By 1860, his Moscow-based workshop already employed 10 journeymen and 5 apprentices, indicating a stable production structure and high demand for its output. He represented the Moscow school, known for its richness of decorative techniques, vibrant color palettes, and strong technical execution. His workshop produced both religious and secular items: icon covers, snuffboxes, caskets, cups, and presentation dishes crafted using techniques such as chasing, filigree, niello, and, notably, cloisonné enamel on silver. Akimov′s workshop embraced the Neo-Russian and Neo-Byzantine styles, aligning with the tastes of the nobility and wealthy merchant class during the reigns of Alexander II and Alexander III. He not only developed the traditions of early 19th-century Moscow silversmiths but also adapted them to the shifting aesthetic trends of the period. Among Akimov’s most valued contributions was his use of cloisonné and multicolored enamel. The workshop created pieces that met the high standards of the artistic market, serving both liturgical and export needs, especially in response to European demand for objects in the “Russian style.” Judging by surviving hallmarks, Akimov’s products bore the master’s initials “ВА” (in Cyrillic or Latin) alongside the official Moscow assay marks. The earliest known pieces date to the 1860s, featuring relatively restrained ornamentation compared to the more elaborate items of the 1880s–1890s. Possible cooperation with other Moscow suppliers and larger firms—such as Fabergé—is plausible, though not confirmed by documents. Akimov’s creations are preserved in various museum and private collections. Especially prized are items that combine fine enamel work with religious or folk themes, as well as luxurious secular objects distinguished by elegant form and ornamental sophistication. Their artistic expression allows Vladimir Akimov’s output to stand as a worthy counterpart to that of St. Petersburg masters, who were generally more oriented toward Western European aesthetics. Today, Akimov’s works are highly valued on the antiques market, especially among collectors of 19th-century Russian silver and enamel. Their defining features—vivid enamel palettes, cloisonné virtuosity, and refined form—make them instantly recognizable and in high demand. ... Read More

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SILVER CIGARETTE CASE AND MATCHBOX WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL.MOSCOW, MASTER V. AKIMOV, 1899–1908

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