Object Description
Set of two Russian silver gilt and cloisonné enamel scent bottles
Russian, 20th Century
Height 13.5cm, diameter 5cm
An embodiment of artistry and precision, this pair of scent bottles radiates the richness and refined craftsmanship of Russia’s Imperial era. Forged from silver gilt, their bell-shaped architecture harmonizes utility and beauty, an echo of it’s origin’s elegance. A rounded lid graces each bottle, infusing a captivating sense of exoticism into the overall design.
The bottles showcase an extensive display of cloisonné enamel work, a highly detailed process that results in a vibrant and enchanting decorative motif. A palette of vivid blues, emerald green, salmon, and navy is set against a pristine white background, forming a visual symphony with the contrasting traditional Islamic floral motifs. Prominent symmetrical palmettes and smaller, delicate florals adorning the body, neck, and lid of the bottle.
Embedded in these bottles are distinctive hallmarks that narrate the tale of their creation. The Zolotnik ’84’ testifies to the purity of the silver, followed by the assayer’s mark ‘IS’, affirming the quality of the silver. The ‘ZI’ mark, etched in Cyrillic, perhaps denotes the artisan’s initials or the manufacturer’s mark. Lastly, the Moscow town mark grounds these exceptional pieces in their origin, honouring the city’s rich legacy in enamel making.
Beyond their physical beauty, these scent bottles represent a vibrant homage to generational artistic techniques that defined the decorative arts history of the Russian Empire. Their intricate design, detailed hallmarks, and the intriguing backstory fuse together, making this pair a remarkable addition to any discerning collector’s assemblage.