26 November 2014 Russian Art Auctions
26 November 2014
* 359. A LARGE SILVER-GILT AND PICTORIAL ENAMEL KOVSH
MAKER’S MARK OF FEODOR RÜCKERT IN CYRILLIC, MOSCOW, 1908–1917, 88 STANDARD
Length 20 cm, height 10 cm.
160,000–180,000 GBP
Of typical form, with a slightly shaped prow and a hook handle, the front with a shaped reserve painted en plein with a young couple in traditional costumes, the body decorated with stylised flowers and scrolls in polychrome enamels on olive green ground.
The renewed interest in Old Russia and the revival of its traditions found a striking reflection in the art of the Moscow master silversmiths who worked at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. They not only used the rich diversity of Old Russian techinques and motifs, but also brought antique types of drinking vessels back to life, the kovsh being one of them. As such an unquestionably traditional Russian object, kovshs of various sizes, made of silver and richly decorated with enamels, became valuable gifts.
One of the greatest Moscow workmasters whose enamel pieces reached exceptional level of style and quality, was Feodor Rückert.
Although an independent silversmith, he supplied his works to the stores of Marshak, Ovchinnikov, Kurliukov and, most significant of all, Fabergé.
Rückert’s work stands out for his highly skilled and distinguished enamels, the use of wirework, colour combinations, shaded enamel and particularly for his miniature enamelled paintings. Rückert’s en plein enamels can be easily distinguished by their matte finish, which was achieved by stoning the surface after firing. A matte finish adds a warmth and delicacy to pieces, contrasting with the bright, decorative and glossy elements of cloisonne' enamel. Most of these miniature matte paintings were created towards the end of the master’s career, when he moved from pastel colours to a more sombre palette of dark blues, greens, greys and brown. The wirework, as used by Rückert, ceased to be used only to separate the colours, but also as a highly decorative element in its own right as it created rich ornamental patterns with strokes, tendrils and beads. The latter, referred to as “granulation”, was used by only a few silversmiths, Rückert being one of them.
The present lot combines the best of Rückert’s craftsmanship: his late colour palette, superb metal and wirework and his outstanding skills as an enameller. Kovshs of such large size with complex cloisonné and en plein enamel decoration, both of exceptional quality, are extremely rare to the art market, and therefore are a valuable addition to any serious collection.
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.