Live Auction 5961Important Russian Art
A PARCEL-GILT SILVER AND NIELLO BONBONNIÈRE
Lot 373 PROPERTY FROM AN AMERICAN PRIVATE COLLECTION

A PARCEL-GILT SILVER AND NIELLO BONBONNIÈRE

MARK OF IVAN AREFIEV, VOLOGDA, NO DATE MARK, ASSAY MASTER'S MARK CYRILLIC 'I.S', CIRCA 1782-1787

Closed26 November 2012

Price Realised

GBP 27,500

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A PARCEL-GILT SILVER AND NIELLO BONBONNIÈRE
MARK OF IVAN AREFIEV, VOLOGDA, NO DATE MARK, ASSAY MASTER'S MARK CYRILLIC 'I.S', CIRCA 1782-1787
Circular, the detachable cover inset with a silver medal depicting Empress Catherine II in profile on the obverse, signed S. Iudin, the reverse depicting the Empress as Minerva and commemorating peace with the Russian Empire and Ottoman Empire in July 1774, on a sunburst ground within floral wreath borders, the base centring the crowned cypher 'EA' for Ekaterina Alekseevna within a circular cartouche with a floral wreath border, the sides with baskets of flowers at intervals, marked inside cover and base and on flange
3¾ in. (9.5 cm.) diameter
11.1 oz. (314.6 gr.) gross
The Russian inscription on the reverse of the medal reads: 'With strength, wisdom and power Peace with the Ottoman Porte concluded on 10 July 1774.'

Specialist note

The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, signed in July 1774, brought an end to the Russo-Turkish War (1768-1774) and marked a major military triumph for the Russian Empire. While it did not gain vast territories from the Ottoman Empire, Russia assumed control of Southern Ukraine, Northern Caucasus, and Crimea. The Crimean Khanate, although it formally gained its independence, became dependent on Russia. The two key seaports of Azov and Kinburn came under Russian control, and thus Russia gained its first foothold on the Black Sea coast, allowing its navy and merchant fleet direct access to the Black Sea. Furthermore, the treaty granted the Russian Empire official status as protector of Orthodox Christians living in the Ottoman Empire, opening the door to future Russian expansion.