AN IMPRESSIVE GEM-SET SILVER KOVSH AND LADLE

The traditional form and sculptural use of jewelled silver relate the present kovsh to other Moscow designs by Fabergé in the Neo-Russian style. These imaginatively designed works are among the finest production of the firm and were usually given to commemorate important anniversaries, as diplomatic offerings, and as trophies. The influence of Russian modernism can be seen throughout the design, which synthesises the clean lines of its form, beaded borders and ball feet, with roundels framing views of legendary bogatyrs. The naturalistic border design and use of faceted stones, rather than cabochons, further exhibit Fabergé's characteristic 'whimsical melding of motifs taken from nature, from handicrafts and from ancient Russian "silver and gold' decorative work (uzoroch'e)"' during this period (T. Muntian, Feodor Rückert & Carl Fabergé, Moscow, 2016, p. 93).

In its use of silver reliefs to evoke the epic past, the present kovsh relates to other modernist works in silver by Fabergé, such as the Boris Godunov desk set (Important Works of Art by Fabergé from the Forbes Collection, Christie's, New York, 19 April 2002, lot 111), the Ivan Kalita bowl and monumental bogatyr kovsh, all of which draw on traditional Russian stories as a source for ornament (A. von Solodkoff, et al., Masterpieces from the House of Fabergé, New York, 1984, p. 178, no. FAB83017 and p. 173, no. FAB81001, respectively).

A similarly decorated coupe-à-bec (endova), given by Emanuel Nobel was sold Christie's, London, 6 June 2011, lot 192. A gem-set silver kovsh with a falconer on its prow, owned by the Nobel family, was sold Christie’s, London, 26 November 2012, lot 284.