Soviet Russian 916 Silver-Gilt and Cloisonné Enamel Salt Cellar, 1960s

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Twisted filigree wire outlines colourful cloisonné enamel work around the waisted exterior of this circular open salt cellar. The central … Read more Twisted filigree wire outlines colourful cloisonné enamel work around the waisted exterior of this circular open salt cellar. The central frieze features alternating pointed panels: deep cobalt blue reserves containing stylised three-petalled floral sprigs in ruby red and leaf green, juxtaposed against pale turquoise segments decorated with delicate scrolling wire tendrils. The base and upper edge are framed by banded borders of enamel dotwork. Along the tapered lower rim, round cloisonné cells alternate in midnight blue, opaque white, and emerald green, creating a neat beaded foot that anchors the vessel. The interior retains its original warm gilded wash, which displays characteristic soft patination from age and light use. The underside is clearly stamped with Soviet assay and maker punches. The assay mark includes the 916 metric silver standard accompanied by the Soviet star emblem containing the hammer and sickle, alongside a Cyrillic workshop mark indicative of the Moscow Jewellery Factory. While executed in the historic Russian Revival aesthetic pioneered in the late 19th century, this hallmark configuration places manufacture in the Soviet era, likely between 1960 and 1975. Designed as a traditional table open salt, the piece measures approximately 2.2 cm in height and 4.4 cm in diameter, with a total weight of 34.22 grams. It remains a bright and well-preserved piece of Russian decorative enamelware. See less