Ivan Khlebnikov, Kovsh with horse’s head, silver, enamel, gilt, Moscow, 1860-1918
10000,00 zł
A unique kovsh from the famous Moscow factory of Ivan Khlebnikov, made of silver and maintained in the aesthetics of the Novorussian style. The surface of the vessel is decorated with enamel cloisonné – cells formed from thin silver wires soldered to the body, forming partitions later filled with colored glaze, repeatedly fired and polished. The result is a smooth, glossy decoration with floral and geometric motifs in vivid colors. A striking accent is the naturalistically chiseled silver horse’s head forming the vessel’s handle. The interior retains traces of the original gilding. The kovsh bears the punches: the inscription ХЛѢБНИКОВЪ, which is the signature of Ivan Khlebnikov’s company with an eagle (marking the Imperial Court’s suppliers), and the oval Moscow probationary mark – the profile of a woman in a coquina with the Greek letter delta and the number 84 (partially rubbed off), indicating the sample of silver.
1 in stock
Historical context
Kovsh originated in the ancient traditions of Kyiv Rus, although its form most likely found its way there as early as the 9th century via the Vikings, who brought with them vessels with a similar purpose. Initially, it was a simple scoop used to scoop liquor from larger vessels. Over time, however, the kovsh acquired the status of a ceremonial item, given as a token of appreciation, gratitude or a prestigious gift. In the 19th century, it became one of the most recognizable symbols of Russian representative tradition, associated with the empire's finest goldsmiths.
Aesthetic qualities
The kovsha decoration is made in the Novorussian style, using its characteristic intense color palette and elaborate ornamentation. The entire surface is covered with cloisonné enamel, whose cells are arranged in floral and geometric motifs filled with colorful glaze. The juxtaposition of turquoise, blue, garnet, lilac, red, flesh-colored and white gives the object a distinctive but balanced look. The silver horse's head forming the handle stands out from the rest of the decoration - it has a contemporary feel, making it a distinctive counterpoint to the traditional ornamentation of the body surface. Preserved traces of gilding inside the vessel emphasize its old, representative character.
Collector's value
The products of Ivan Khlebnikov's factory have been in constant demand among collectors of Russian handicrafts for years. The presented kovsh is distinguished by the unusual juxtaposition of two different stylistic approaches, rarely seen in such productions, as well as the signature of one of the most famous goldsmith workshops of the Russian Empire. The well-preserved condition, the full set of punts and the decorative nature of the object make it an attractive example of late 19th century applied art and a valuable piece for any collection.
Application
Nowadays, the kovsh serves primarily a decorative and collector's function. Thanks to its striking form and high quality workmanship, it can be a distinctive accent in an interior or part of a display dedicated to Russian arts and crafts. Due to its historical and aesthetic qualities, it will also work well as an elegant, presentable gift.
Novorussian style
In the second half of the 19th century, the Novorussian style developed in Russia, which referred to the old "national" artistic heritage - medieval forms, folk and church motifs. In artistic craftsmanship, this meant a return to rich ornamentation, intense enamel colors, floral and geometric motifs, inspired by the ancient art of Rus. The style combined tradition with modern craftsmanship, becoming the hallmark of such manufactures as Khlebnikov, Ovshchinnikov and Fabergé.
Ivan Petrovich Khlebnikov (1835-1913) - a prominent Moscow goldsmith and jeweler, founder of one of Russia's most famous fine silver factories. Around 1867 he opened his own workshop in Moscow, specializing in luxury silver and gold products, often decorated with enamel in the Novorussian style. Khlebnikov's company won numerous prizes at national and international exhibitions and the title of supplier to the Imperial Court, becoming one of the main centers of Russian arts and crafts of the late 19th century. After the founder's death, the business was continued by his sons under the name I.P. Khlebnikov and Sons until it closed in 1918 after the October Revolution.
| Weight | 0,181 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12,5 × 9 × 5,5 cm |
| Type |
Kovsh |
| Form |
Vessel in the form of a teapot with a handle shaped as a horse's head |
| Materiał |
Enamel ,Silver ,Silver gilt |
| Kolorystyka |
Blitz ,Blue ,Flesh ,Green ,Lilac ,Navy blue ,Red ,Turquoise ,White |
| Technika |
Chiseled casting ,Enamelling cloisonné ,Gilding |
| Czas powstania |
1860-1918 |
| Era |
19th/20th century |
| Kraj pochodzenia |
Russia |
| Autor |
Ivan Khlebnikov |
| State of preservation |
Very good; micro cracks in enamel at bottom, interior gilding partially rubbed off |
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