3 June 2015 Russian Art Auctions
3 June 2015
* 227. An ImpressiveRussian Fabergé Gem-Set Silver-Gilt and Cloisonné Enamel Punch Set
MARK OF FABERGÉ BENEATH THE IMPERIAL WARRANT, MOSCOW, 1895–1908
160,000-180.000 GBP
Height of the bratina 19.7 cm, diameter of the tray 49.5 cm.
Provenance: Property of a lady, Christie’s, New York, 27 October 1992, lot 35.
Private Collection, USA.
Anonymous sale, Christie’s, New York, 24 April 2009, lot 192.
Comprising eight charkis and a bratina, each of tapering cylindrical form, enamelled with a band of polychrome
shaded scrolling foliage inset with hardstone cabochons, against a gilt-stippled ground, the raised
circular foot with a matching ornament; a tray with shaped moulded rim, with alternating panels of multicoloured
shaded scrolling foliage set with hardstone cabochons, the centre with a well for the bowl, the
ladle with prolonged handle and kovsh-shaped bowl, similarly decorated, in the original fitted wood case.
“Zzhenka” is the adopted Russian name for the popular European drink
‘punch’, which came to the Empire from Europe and quickly became
a favourite. Most notably, it was one of the souvenirs brought to Russia
from Paris by the brave and victorious hussars, who quickly turned it into
a fashionable and cheerful festive essential.
The hussars, traditionally seen as buoyant and wealthy, could afford not
only the expensive ingredients such as tea, but also the various exquisitely
and richly decorated accessories; punch bowls, glasses and even whole
sets, making them desirable gifts.
Whereas during wartime punch had been a warming and invigorating
necessity for the hussars, drinking it and playing cards in peacetime
became a way to escape the longing for the adventurous past.
According to the memoirs of contemporaries, famous poets, such as
Alexander Pushkin and Mikhail Lermontov, both the epitome of the 19th century
pensive and daring Russian characters, were great fans of the fashionable
new drink. By the1840s, it had almost become a traditional drink. By the
end of the century drinking punch, especially in military circles, acquired the
role of an almost symbolic ceremonial and formal ritual which gave rise to
the production of many finely decorated vessels and punch sets.
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.