Live Auction 10401Russian Art
A PARCEL-GILT SILVER IMPERIAL PRESENTATION KOVSH
Lot 392 PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION

A PARCEL-GILT SILVER IMPERIAL PRESENTATION KOVSH

PROBABLY MOSCOW, CIRCA 1696

Closed30 November 2015

Price Realised

GBP 45,000

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A PARCEL-GILT SILVER IMPERIAL PRESENTATION KOVSH
PROBABLY MOSCOW, CIRCA 1696
Of traditional form with raised prow and handle, the bowl repoussé with a circular reserve centring an Imperial double-headed eagle with the orb and sceptre, within chased scrolling foliage and repoussé laurel wreath, the interior sides engraved with scrolling foliage, the handle engraved with an Imperial double-headed eagle, the exterior sides engraved with Old Russian dedication inscription 'By the Grace of God Great Lord Tsar and Great Prince Petr Alekseevich, Autocrat of all Great, Little and White Russia, in 205 (1696) presented this kovsh to Kozma Kamenev from the Gostinaia Sotnia for his service in customs in year 204 (1695) when he collected 104 roubles, 3 altyn, 2 denga’, the finial cast as an Imperial double-headed eagle, apparently unmarked
12 1/8 in. (31 cm.) wide
25.82 oz. (803 gr.)

Anonymous Sale; Christie’s, Geneva, 30 November 1982, lot 139.

Specialist note

Gostinaia Sotnia was a privileged corporation of Russian merchants existing from the late 16th century to the beginning of the 18th century. Members of the Gostinaia Sotnia had many privileges including exemption from state fiscal and service obligations and exclusion from the jurisdiction of local authorities.

In return, members of the Gostinaia Sotnia had additional state-treasury responsibilities, for example they would serve as administrative deputies and heads of customs houses. They were responsible for collecting unpaid taxes and and were often rewarded by the Emperor if they collected more tax than was expected.