Antique 19th Century Russian solid silver and niello sugar bowl of distinctive circular, tapering form, the bowl features a broad, spreading body with a substantial silver swing handle, raised upon three small rounded feet. The exterior is exceptionally finely worked in traditional niello, with elaborate geometric patterns, interlaced arabesques and stylised foliate motifs contrasting against the highly polished silver ground.
The principal decorative band incorporates beautifully executed Arabic calligraphy, arranged between circular geometric medallions containing intricate interwoven patterns. These are framed by alternating bands of finely engraved basket weave ornament, repeating floral roundels and delicate scrolling borders. The upper rim is similarly decorated with a continuous band of stylised ornament, while the underside is extensively embellished with concentric borders of geometric and arabesque decoration surrounding an intricate central medallion. The interior retains its original warm gilded finish.
The design draws inspiration from the richly ornamented silver and brass vessels of the medieval Islamic world, particularly the Mamluk period, reflecting the fascination with Orientalist decorative arts fashionable in Imperial Russia during the 19th century. A superb example of Moscow silverwork, demonstrating the exceptional precision and artistry of Russian niello craftsmanship, for which the workshops of Vasiliy Semenov were particularly celebrated.
Hallmarked Russian Silver 84 (875 Standard), Moscow, year 1862, Maker's Mark in Cyrillic BC (Vasiliy Semenov).
Reference Number: P12675
Antique 19th Century Russian solid silver and niello sugar bowl of distinctive circular, tapering form, the bowl features a broad, spreading body with a substantial silver swing handle, raised upon three small rounded feet. The exterior is exceptionally finely worked in traditional niello, with elaborate geometric patterns, interlaced arabesques and stylised foliate motifs contrasting against the highly polished silver ground.
The principal decorative band incorporates beautifully executed Arabic calligraphy, arranged between circular geometric medallions containing intricate interwoven patterns. These are framed by alternating bands of finely engraved basket weave ornament, repeating floral roundels and delicate scrolling borders. The upper rim is similarly decorated with a continuous band of stylised ornament, while the underside is extensively embellished with concentric borders of geometric and arabesque decoration surrounding an intricate central medallion. The interior retains its original warm gilded finish.
The design draws inspiration from the richly ornamented silver and brass vessels of the medieval Islamic world, particularly the Mamluk period, reflecting the fascination with Orientalist decorative arts fashionable in Imperial Russia during the 19th century. A superb example of Moscow silverwork, demonstrating the exceptional precision and artistry of Russian niello craftsmanship, for which the workshops of Vasiliy Semenov were particularly celebrated.
Hallmarked Russian Silver 84 (875 Standard), Moscow, year 1862, Maker's Mark in Cyrillic BC (Vasiliy Semenov).
Reference Number: P12675
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