29 November 2017 Russian Art Auctions
29 November 2017
323.
An Impressive Silver and Cut-Glass Ink-Well
40,000-60,000 GBP
MARK OF 4TH ARTEL, MOSCOW, WITH MARK OF “V. DRUGOV AND CO” IN CYRILLIC AND SOVIET ASSAY MARK, 1908-1917, 84 STANDARD
Length 44.5 cm, width 30.5, height 21 cm.
Depicting Vityaz resting on a stone among waves, leaning on his arm and holding his sword, looking pensively down; the cut-glass ink-stand with a silver lid with stylised scrolls, on rectangular onyx base, decorated with the “Sidel Ermak obiatyi dumoi” quote from the 1821 poem by K. Ryleyev.
Late 19th-early 20th century Russian art was marked by the interest in Old Russia and the reinterpretation of its folklore, crafts and traditions. This fashion led to the appearance of new and varied forms, combinations of different materials and techniques that came to be known as Neo-Russian style – something to which this Ink-well set is a glorious testimony.
Owing to its époque’s taste this table piece plays around the image of the notorious figure from the times of Ivan the Terrible – the Cossack Ataman Ermak Timofeevich the so-called conqueror of Siberia. The inscription on the stand taken from the early 19th century poem dedicated to this hero of Russian folklore surrounded by silver waves stylistically is emblem- atic of this new understanding of old Russian motifs.
Early 20th century’s economic rise and growing demand for exquisite decorative objects and expensive souvenirs in the new style led to the emergence of various workshops amongst which the 4th Moscow Artel was undoubtedly one of the leaders.
Renowned for its exceptional quality of craftsmanship and innovative design it is therefore unsurprising that the piece bears the mark of the celebrated jewellery workshop of the Drugov trading house. Having been the representative of the Kiev Fabergé branch, Drugov opened his own shop in 1911 in Odessa, hallmark of which is a statement of the outstanding quality of the offered lot.
Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
Ω Indicates 20% Import Duty Charge applies.
§ Indicates Artist's Resale Right applies.
† Indicates Standard VAT scheme applies, and the rate of 20% VAT will be charged on both hammer price and premium.