Lot 0121
Silver-Gilt and Agate Bonbonniere by a Leading Jeweler of the Bolin Firm
Estimate: 3500-4500€
Russian Silver-Gilt and Agate Bonbonniere. Maker’s mark of Vladimir Finikov, Bolin Firm
. Petersburg, late 19th century. Agate, silver-gilt mount.
Dimensions: 4 × 5 × 5 cm
Total weight: 58 g
An elegant bonbonniere, carved from richly banded agate in a spiraling fluted design, the swirling patterns of the stone enhanced by its warm translucency. The hinged cover continues the motif with radiating flutes and is mounted with a finely chased silver-gilt rim of foliate ornament.
The box bears the mark of Vladimir Finikov, one of the leading masters of the prestigious Bolin Firm—jewelers to the Russian Imperial Court and long-standing rivals of Fabergé. Works by Bolin are renowned for their precision and refinement, often distinguished by a restrained elegance that appealed to the aristocracy and the Imperial family.
Comparable works
Agate bonbonnieres with gilt or silver mounts by Bolin and Fabergé are preserved in the Armoury Chamber, the Hermitage, and prominent private collections. Auction examples include a V. Finikov by Bolin gold and moonstone brooch offered at Sotheby’s, Russian Sale – Works of Art, Fabergé (Lot 421, 2007) and another high-quality gold piece by Finikov sold at Christie’s under Lot 6340822.
https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2007/russian-sale-works-of-art-faberge-l07113/lot.421.html
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6340822
Starting price: 3000€
Estimate: 3500-4500€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€
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