A rare and refined example of Russian decorative art from the second half of the 19th century – a sweetmeat basket with a hinged handle, created in 1875 by the renowned Moscow silversmith Pavel Ovchinnikov, official Purveyor to the Imperial Court.
The rounded vessel with low neck and gently flaring body is adorned in the niello technique with a fully gilded interior. Its central decoration consists of two oval cartouches finely engraved with architectural panoramas of Moscow:
– one side presents the façade of the Grand Kremlin Palace and adjacent churches;
– the other depicts Red Square with the Nikolskaya Tower and Kremlin walls.
These engraved panoramas, exquisitely executed in niello, are framed by delicate vegetal ornamentation in the Neo-Russian style. The hinged handle is decorated with an engraved twisted motif that harmoniously completes the overall design. The object demonstrates artistic precision, cultural iconography and the highest level of technical craftsmanship characteristic of the Ovchinnikov workshop.
Marks: Maker’s mark beneath the double-headed eagle – “P. Ovchinnikov” (in a rectangle beneath the emblem); Assayer’s mark “I.K” above a line and dated “1875” (unidentified Moscow assayer); State hallmark with silver standard “84” and the Moscow city arms (Saint George slaying the dragon); Master’s mark “VS” – Vasily Semyonov, Moscow silversmith and founder of a workshop active since 1852.
Dimensions: Diameter: 11 cm; body height: 5 cm; height with raised handle: 12 cm
Weight: 204 g
Condition: Good. Gilding is even. Minor surface wear to the base. No dents, cracks, restorations or signs of active use.
Provenance: Moscow, Pavel Ovchinnikov firm – Purveyor to the Imperial Court. Private collection.
The second half of the 19th century marked a revival of Russian applied arts and a return to national stylistic traditions. Within this context, the works of Pavel Ovchinnikov became synonymous with Russian taste and craftsmanship, earning widespread recognition both domestically and internationally. After receiving the title of Purveyor to the Imperial Court, the firm regularly exhibited at international expositions and set a benchmark for Russian silver aligned with the spirit of the age.
By the 1870s–1880s, silver objects featuring city panoramas – especially of Moscow – became highly popular. Their creation was not merely decorative but carried an ideological function, glorifying the imperial capital. Engraved views of the Kremlin and Red Square were imbued with symbolic significance – visual expressions of power, continuity, and cultural identity.
The niello technique used here has deep roots in Russian art, tracing back to the 11th–13th centuries and revived in the 19th century by Moscow silversmiths. In courtly and ceremonial objects, niello emphasized a distinct national character and appealed to high-level aesthetic and diplomatic circles.
The presence of the master’s mark “VS” – Vasily Semyonov – adds notable value. Semyonov founded his own silver workshop in 1852 and became one of Moscow’s leading silversmiths. By 1873, his factory employed 40 workers and produced silver goods valued at 75,000 rubles annually. His daughter, Maria Vasilyevna, continued the business into the early 20th century, preserving its high artistic standard. The collaboration between Semyonov and Ovchinnikov on this piece reflects the scale and prestige of Moscow’s silver industry during this period.
Sweetmeat baskets of this quality and complexity are now housed in the State Historical Museum, the Hermitage, and the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve, as well as in distinguished private collections. The present example is a museum-grade object of Russian historicism and refined craftsmanship.
Exceptionally well-preserved example. Crisp marks, even gilding, finely preserved niello work. Minor surface wear consistent with age. No damage or restoration.
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.
