The present volume is the first non-Russian study to investigate every aspect of Muscovite gold and silver-work. All of the examples discussed, analyzed, and illustrated exhibit the unique gift of Russian artisans to endow their works with that special flair that has made them so eminently collectable and so highly valued.
There are examples of niello work, which blends steel and precious metal; exquisite cloisonné treasures of intricate design and brilliant color; jewels and trinkets of unrestrained extravagance. Also included are rare and translucent enamels whose molten hues enhance the gems with which they are encrusted — snuff boxes, cigarette cases, and other objets de virtu. There are religious objects as well, which embody the pomp of the liturgy of Holy Russia. There are vessels and other items that are uniquely Russian in shape and function, such as the swan-shaped kvass cups and salt cellars that appear to have sprung from the pages of a Pushkin fairy tale. Samovars, orders and decorations, medals, filigrees, and Easter eggs are some of the other typical precious objects illustrated.
All the major centers of work in gold and silver are described including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tobolsk, Velikiy Ustyug, and the Baltic. More than a dozen of the leading masters, workshops and firms, among which are Fabergé, Khlebnikov and Morozov, receive an appreciation of their unique contributions.
Alexander von Solodkoff, a leading expert in this field, is a consultant to Christie's in Paris and the co-author of Rizzoli's acclaimed Fabergé. In the present book he offers an encyclopedic survey that will be indispensable to collectors, to scholars and students of Russian craftsmanship. A comprehensive bibliography and full index are also included.