321 - KOVSH

KOVSH Grachev, Saint Petersburg A silver kovsh in the traditional boat shape, with an ovoid body resting on a heel, the bow rising into a tall, flat handle with a quatrefoil-shaped scalloped grip, and the stern fitted with a ring. The rim and handle are engraved with geometric friezes in the Old Russian style—radiating chevrons, Greek frets, and denticles—and a medallion with interlacing patterns. Gilded interior. Silver, 84 zolotniki (875 ‰). St. Petersburg, dated 1888. Mark of the Grachev firm (ГРАЧЕВЪ) and master’s mark “JO” of Johann Ferdinand Olsonius (1823–1888). The Grachev firm (Братья Грачёвы), based in Saint Petersburg, was among the greatest Russian goldsmiths of the late 19th century and was a certified supplier to the Imperial Court of Russia, alongside Fabergé and Ovtchinnikov. The Finnish-born goldsmith Johann Ferdinand Olsonius (1823–1888) was one of the firm’s principal master craftsmen (workmaster) in Saint Petersburg. St. Petersburg, 1888. Length: 23.3 cm — Weight: 425.5 g.