Antique Russian Silver-Gilt Niello Spoon, 1865

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A fine antique Russian silver-gilt spoon dating to 1865, crafted in Moscow and distinguished by intricate traditional niello decoration. The … Read more A fine antique Russian silver-gilt spoon dating to 1865, crafted in Moscow and distinguished by intricate traditional niello decoration. The piece is executed in solid silver with gilded detailing and represents an attractive example of mid-19th-century Russian decorative silver. The spoon is richly embellished using the niello technique, in which a dark metallic compound is worked into engraved areas of the silver surface. The resulting black decoration creates a dramatic contrast against the warm gilt finish, highlighting the intricate patterns and giving the piece its distinctive visual character. Niello work has a particularly important place within Russian decorative arts and was extensively employed by accomplished silversmiths during the 19th century. The technique required considerable precision, with engraved decoration carefully filled and finished to produce the characteristic dark, sharply defined ornamentation. The combination of solid silver construction, gilding and detailed niello work transforms this functional utensil into a miniature work of decorative art. Dating precisely to 1865, it is a genuine antique from the Imperial Russian period. The piece is identified as solid silver and dates within the 1850–1899 period. A refined addition to a collection of Russian silver, niello work, antique flatware or 19th-century European decorative arts. Origin: Moscow, Russia Date: 1865 Period: Imperial Russian / 19th Century Material: Solid silver, silver-gilt, niello Dated 1865 Marked ; 84 Moscow ( Combined City & Standard Mark ) Assay Master; Viktor Vasilyevich Savinsky Moscow 1859\.1894 Net weight ; 60.5 grams Dimensions ; Length 193 mm Bowl 65 x 55 mm Diameter of the terminal 7 mm See less