Object Description
Two Russian silver gilt and cloisonné enamel eggs on stands
Russian, 20th Century
Height 12cm, diameter 4.5cm
These stunning Russian eggs are crafted from silver gilt and decorated using the complex technique of cloisonné enamelling.
The first egg featured an intricate floral arabesque design rendered in shades of green, blue, red, and white. The background on which the patterns are crafted is left plain allowing the silver gilt to shine through among the polychrome patterns. A band of vivid blue circles fills the circumference of the egg, which opens to reveal a hollow interior. The egg is stamped with markings in Cyrillic as well as the ‘84’ zolotnik mark.
A bold and bright blue enamel ground covers the majority of the second egg allowing the repetitive red star pattern to stand out. The middle of the piece is decorated with a band of red, cream, and blue flowers. This egg too has a hinged opening enabling one to store precious possessions inside. The egg is marked with ‘88’ zolotnik mark as well as other marks in Cyrillic.
Both eggs are mounted on elegant silver gilt three-legged stands. Of a flowing design, the legs curve inwards while the top is flower-shaped making the eggs appear as if blooming out of them.
Wonderfully crafted and showcasing the high skills of Russian craftsmen, the two eggs would beautifully stand out and shine in the appropriate interior space.