Bread and Salt Plate
Khlebnikov I.P. and Sons & Co.
Russian
1888
Silver, silver-gilt, enamel
47.20.380
Welcoming guests with a ceremonial presentation of bread and salt is an ancient and honored tradition in Russia. The center of this presentation plate features the enamel coat of arms of the Kherson province. The inscription translates as: “From the loyal zemstvo of the Kherson Guberniia.”
A zemstvo was an elected body of local self-government in charge of education, transport, and health. The border of the dish has three engraved scenes that alternate with panels of decorative vines. The scenes are identified with Cyrillic inscriptions that translate as: Education: Village Agricultural School; Transport: Village Ponton Bridge across River Inguletz; and Health: Hospital in City of Anayev.
This plate was presented to Tsar Alexander III and his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna, in 1888 during a visit to the Kherson province. It is one of hundreds of such bread-and-salt plates given to the couple during their numerous visits throughout Russia.
Covered Tankard (Primary Title)
Tankard and Cover (Former Title)
Ovchinnikov Firm, Russian, 1851 - 1918 (Artist)
1890
Russian
silver-gilt, enamel
Russia,Moscow
98.17
Cup (Primary Title)
Feodor Rückert, Alsace-Lorraine (active in Russia), 1840 - 1917 (Artist)
1899–1908
Russian
silver-gilt, enamel
Russia,Moscow
98.9
Beaker (Primary Title)
Ovchinnikov Firm, Russian, 1851 - 1918 (Artist)
before 1899
Russian
silver glit, enamel
98.15
Plate (Primary Title)
Feodor Rückert, Alsace-Lorraine (active in Russia), 1840 - 1917 (Artist)
1899–1908
Russian
silver-gilt, enamel
Russia,Moscow
98.11
The winged figure in the center of this plate is one of three creatures in Russian folklore with the body of a bird and the head of a woman. These unusual beings, called Sirens, are often associated with fairy tales.
Sugar Bowl from Three-Piece Coffee Set (Primary Title)
Feodor Rückert, Alsace-Lorraine (active in Russia), 1840 - 1917 (Artist)
1908–17
Culture:
Russian
silver-gilt, enamel, hardstone
Russia,Moscow
98.18.3a-b
Fantasy Fish Caviar Server or Centerpiece
Russian
1896-1908
Silver
L.2.99
Kovsh
Russian
1899-1908
Kovsh
97.93
A kovsh is a traditional Russian drinking vessel, usually small and boat-shaped with a single handle. Early versions were made of wood, but by the 16th century, gold and silver were also used. This monumental kovsh is one of the finest surviving silver pieces made by the Fabergé firm. Combining traditional Russian images with swirling Art Nouveau designs, this large vessel is adorned with semiprecious Siberian gemstones. The prow of this kovsh features a charging group of bogatyri, the heroic medieval warriors who served Grand Prince Vladimir in ancient Kiev, including the three most famous: Il’ia Muromets, Alësha Popovich, and Dobrynia Nikitich.
Kovsh
Maria Semenova
Russian
1908-17
Silver-gilt, enamel, Siberian hardstones
98.16
Serving Spoon (Primary Title)
Feodor Rückert, Alsace-Lorraine (active in Russia), 1840 - 1917 (Artist)
1908–17
Russian
silver-gilt, enamel
98.19
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