Early 20th Century 84 Zolotnik Silver Kiddush Cups Israel Zakhoder and Heirs - Set of 3

Details

Description

These exquisite antique Russian silver kiddush cups exemplify fine Judaica silverwork from the early 20th century.

Material of all cups: … Read more These exquisite antique Russian silver kiddush cups exemplify fine Judaica silverwork from the early 20th century.

Material of all cups: .875 Fine Silver (84 Zolotnik Purity Standard, Equivalent to 875/1000)

Origin of all cups: Kiev, Russian Empire (Present-Day Ukraine)

Age range for all cups: Circa 1899-1917

Specifics of each kiddush cup:
Kiddush Cup #1: The conical beaker form has a flared rim and features four arched panels with hand-engraved motifs: stylized sheaves of wheat, an architectural element possibly evoking a gate or synagogue, and decorative foliage. These designs are framed in Gothic-style borders with dotted outlines, typical of Eastern European Jewish artisanship. At just 2 inches tall, it's perfectly sized for Shabbat wine. Produced by the heirs of master silversmith Israel Eseevich Zakhoder (active 1851-1907), who operated in Berdichev, Moscow, and finally Kiev, the workshop continued under family management after his passing, maintaining high standards in Judaica items.

Hallmarks
Primary Hallmark: "84" in an oval cartouche beside a woman's profile in kokoshnik headdress facing right (indicating 1908-1917 period), accompanied by a small Greek delta (Δ) for the Kiev assay office. This confirms 84 zolotnik (.875) silver purity.

Maker's Mark: Cyrillic "ИЕЗ" (IEZ) with "Н" (N) above, representing "Наследники ИЕЗ" (Heirs of Israel Eseevich Zakhoder). This mark was used after Zakhoder's death in 1907 by his successors in Kiev.

Additional Hallmarks: Two near-circular cartouches flanking the maker's mark, reading "Насл" (Nasl) and "едники" (edniki), completing the "Heirs" designation. A small figure resembling the Archangel Michael (Kiev city mark, often depicted with spear and shield) appears adjacent, confirming origin.

Kiddush Cup #2: The tapered beaker form features a slightly flared rim and three engraved panels with dotted borders. These hand-chased designs evoke rural Eastern European Jewish life and are characteristic of Zakhoder's workshop, known for producing high-quality ritual items. At just 1.75 inches tall, it's compact for Shabbat wine. The piece reflects the artisanal tradition of Kiev's silver guild during the late Tsarist era, blending functionality with symbolic artistry.

Age: Circa 1899-1908 (Based on Left-Facing Kokoshnik Hallmark; Active Period of Maker Israel Eseevich Zakhoder)

Hallmarks
Primary Hallmark: Oval lozenge with "84" (indicating .875 silver purity) alongside a woman's profile in kokoshnik headdress facing left, used 1899-1908. Very small initials "A.B." (likely assayer's mark in Cyrillic "А.В.", possibly a variant or worn reading for a Kiev or regional assayer such as Anatoliy Artsibashev or similar; a small Greek delta Δ may also be present for Kiev assay office—professional verification recommended for exact attribution).

Maker's Mark: Square cartouche with "HE3" (interpreted as Cyrillic "ИЕЗ" for Israel Eseevich Zakhoder, where "И" resembles "H", "З" resembles "3"). This is Zakhoder's standard mark without the "Н" (N) for heirs, confirming production during his lifetime before 1907.

Kiddush Cup #3: This petite antique Russian silver kiddush cup is a lovely example of late Imperial Judaica from the renowned Zakhoder workshop in Kiev. Features a flared rim and three hand-engraved arched panels bordered by dotted lines. These symbolic rural designs are characteristic of Eastern European Jewish silver artisanship in the early 20th century. At only 1.75 inches tall and 13 grams, it's perfectly sized for wine blessings on Shabbat. Produced by the heirs of master silversmith Israel Eseevich Zakhoder (active 1851–1907), who built a successful Jewish-owned workshop in Kiev—the "heirs" marks confirm continuation after his 1907 death, reflecting the workshop's quality and longevity.

Hallmarks:
Primary Hallmark: "84" in an oval cartouche beside a woman's profile in kokoshnik headdress facing right (indicating 1908-1917 period), accompanied by a small Greek delta (Δ) for the Kiev assay office. This confirms 84 zolotnik (.875) silver purity.

Maker's Mark: Cyrillic "ИЕЗ" (IEZ) with "Н" (N) above, representing "Наследники ИЕЗ" (Heirs of Israel Eseevich Zakhoder). This mark was used after Zakhoder's death in 1907 by his successors in Kiev.

Additional Hallmarks: Two near-circular cartouches flanking the maker's mark, reading "Насл" (Nasl) and "едники" (edniki), completing the "Heirs" designation. A small figure resembling the Archangel Michael (Kiev city mark, often depicted with spear and shield) appears adjacent, confirming origin.

Kiddush Cup #1 dimensions: 1 7/8" tall × 1 5/8" at widest diameter
Weight of item: 0.7 oz (21 g)

Kiddush Cup #2 dimensions: 1 11/16" tall × 1 3/8" at widest diameter
Weight of item: 0.6 oz (18 g)

Kiddush Cup #3 dimensions: 1 5/8" tall × 1.25" at widest diameter
Weight of item: 0.4 oz (13 g) See less