Lot 0105
Russian Enamelled Copper Bowl
Usolye (Solvychegodsk),18th century
Estimate: 5000-7000€
A Russian Enamelled Copper Bowl
Usolye (Solvychegodsk),18th century
Dimensions: 4.5 х 9.5 х 9.5 cm.
Finely painted in polychrome enamel with stylized floral and bird motifs on a white ground, framed by circular and oval medallions against a deep cobalt-blue background. The composition combines strong color contrasts and rhythmic ornament, characteristic of the celebrated Usolye enamel tradition of northern Russia.
Usolye (then known as Solvychegodsk) emerged as one of the principal centers of Russian enamel art in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, founded under the patronage of the Stroganov merchant family. The early workshops, originally staffed by Novgorod craftsmen, developed a distinct regional style distinguished by vivid color palettes and expressive linework.
By the mid-seventeenth century, Usolye enamellers mastered painted enamel on copper, depicting large-scale floral and zoomorphic compositions—tulips, sunflowers, birds, and animals—set against white enamel grounds and separated by twisted filigree borders. These works were prized for their decorative richness and often adorned festive cups, caskets, mirrors, and domestic vessels.
Comparable enamelled wares from Usolye are preserved in the collections of the State Historical Museum, Moscow, and the Armoury Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin.
Starting price: 4000€
Estimate: 5000-7000€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€
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Silver, casting, chasing, gilding, copper-ruby glass.
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Lot 0107
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“Packet” snuffboxes were so called because they resembled small postal envelopes or packets. Such snuffboxes were not only used for storing tobacco, but also as a discreet “love mail” exchange in fashionable society.
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Lot 0106
A Russian Enamelled Copper Bowl Usolye (Solvychegodsk), 18th century
Estimate: 8000-12000€
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A Russian Enamelled Copper Bowl Usolye (Solvychegodsk), 18th century
Estimate: 8000-12000€A Russian Enamelled Copper Bowl
Usolye (Solvychegodsk), 18th century
Dimensions: 2.5 х 10 х 10 cm.Painted in vibrant polychrome enamel with a central medallion depicting a dancing figure among tulips and foliage, the interior framed by scrolling floral ornament on a white ground. The exterior is richly decorated with floral motifs in circular reserves against a deep cobalt-blue background.
This bowl exemplifies the artistic excellence of the Usolye (Solvychegodsk) enamelling tradition of northern Russia, which flourished in the seventeenth century under the patronage of the Stroganov family. Originating from workshops established by Novgorod craftsmen in the mid-sixteenth century, the Usolye style is distinguished by its vivid palette, strong contour lines, and decorative rhythm derived from folk and wooden carving traditions.
By the second half of the seventeenth century, Usolye masters perfected the technique of painted enamel on copper, covering entire surfaces with colorful floral designs, birds, and narrative scenes. The favorite motifs included tulips, sunflowers, and whimsical figures inspired by both Russian folklore and Western engravings.
Comparable examples of Usolye enamelled wares are preserved in the State Historical Museum, Moscow, and the Armoury Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin.
Starting price: 6000€
Estimate: 8000-12000€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€