Catalogue

Malle Leis (1940–2017) “Potato” Serigraphy, 1979 , edition 7/14.
Signed lower left corner: Võrumaa VI serigraafia 7/14; lower right corner: M.Leis 1979.a. Dimensions: 90 x 52 cm. You can see works of Malle Leis at KUMU Estonian Art Museum in Tallinn. https://kumu.ekm.ee/en/

Starting price: 650€
Estimate: 750-1000€

Traveling Samovar
I. Malishev Manufactory, Tula, mid-19th century
Brass
Height: 30 cm

A rare example of a Russian traveling samovar, produced by the I. Malishev manufactory in Tula — the historic center of samovar craftsmanship.

The body is shaped as a rectangular box with beveled corners and smooth walls. The flat lid features a cylindrical chimney with a narrow ringed projection at the center, cast as one piece with the cover. The handles are cast in the form of stylized palmettes. The spout is faceted, ending with a hook-shaped projection. The detachable, curved legs are faceted, with blade-shaped bases — a distinctive element of early traveling samovars.

Compact and durable, samovars of this type were designed for portability and everyday use during journeys, hunting expeditions, or military campaigns. Their simple yet refined proportions reflect mid-19th-century Tula design aesthetics, balancing practicality and ornamentation.

For a comparable example, see: “The Miracle of the Antique Samovar,” Kolomenskoe Museum, Moscow, 2015.

Starting price: 2000€
Estimate: 2500-3000€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Malle Leis (1940–2017) “Strawberry” Serigraphy 1981. Edition 26/48.
Signed lower left corner: Maasikad 26/48 serigraafia; lower right corner: M.Leis 1981.a. Dimensions: 75 x 50 cm. You can see works of Malle Leis at KUMU Estonian Art Museum in Tallinn. https://kumu.ekm.ee/en/

Starting price: 650€
Estimate: 750-1000€

Small Samovar “Egoist” in the Form of a Faceted Cup
Maker’s mark of TUM (Mikhail Polyakov), Tula, 19th century
Brass
Height: 24.5 cm

A rare miniature brass samovar known as an “Egoist”, designed for a single person and holding less than one litre. The body is shaped as a faceted cup with smooth walls, gracefully curved handles, and a square base with turned feet. Despite its modest size, the samovar retains all the classical proportions and decorative elegance typical of full-sized examples.

This piece was made at the Polyakov Manufactory, founded in the 1850s by Grigory Dmitrievich Polyakov, a self-taught craftsman from Tula who transformed his small workshop into a thriving steam-powered factory. The enterprise produced medium and large samovars made of brass and tombac, known for their solid construction, excellent quality, and affordable prices.

By the second half of the 19th century, the factory was managed by Grigory’s son Mikhail Polyakov, whose hallmark “TUM” (Tula Union of Masters) appeared on many fine samovars of the period. His products were widely distributed across Russia and became known for their reliability and elegant simplicity.

The “Egoist” samovars — small, portable, and fuel-efficient — were often owned by bachelors or travelers. They heated quickly, consumed little fuel, and reflected the 19th-century fascination with refined practicality.

Later, the family business was continued by Ivan, Pyotr, Alexander, and Hevronia Polyakov, preserving the traditions of quality and craftsmanship established by their predecessors.

Comparable examples are held in the Museum of Samovars and Kettles, which documents the evolution of Russian tea culture and the artistry of Tula metalwork from the 18th to the 20th centuries.

Starting price: 800€
Estimate: 900-1000€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

A Silver 84 shot glass. Kiev, 1880-1908 yy. ” Г.Р”- unknown maker. Height: 9 cm. Weight: 55.8 g.

Starting price: 60€
Estimate: 80-100€

Britzin. An Egyptian style photo frame.
Silver, casting, guilloche enamel, Karelian wood.
Makers. Mark of «IB». Petersburg, 1908-1917. Dimensions: 12.5 x 11.6 x 2.3 cm. Total weight: 178.6 g
A circular photo frame made of Karelian birch with silver mounts depicting figures and ornamental motifs, referred to Egyptian art. The photograph opening is surrounded by a border of sky-blue guilloché enamel, lending the piece a vivid decorative accent. The interplay of warm wood, cool silver, and vibrant enamel reflects the stylistic tendencies of Russian Art Nouveau in the early 20th century.
Ivan Brytzin (I.B., Britzin)
Jeweler. Born in Moscow province. In 1903 earned the title of Master of the Silver Trade in St. Petersburg, possibly apprenticed with Fabergé. Opened his own workshop the same year (6 Spassky Lane). From 1907 — Master of Gold and Silver Work. In 1910 founded the workshop “Russian Enamel” (12 Malaya Konyushennaya Street). Produced snuffboxes, cigarette cases, desk clocks, cufflinks, buckles, and other items. From 1909 participated in Russian and international exhibitions.
g.

Starting price: 2000€
Estimate: 2500-3500€
Hammer Price: Not sold