35 - VASILY SEMYONOVICH AGAFONOV FACTORY, NEO-RUSSIAN STYLE, CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL

VASILY SEMYONOVICH AGAFONOV FACTORY, NEO-RUSSIAN STYLE, CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL A LARGE RUSSIAN SILVER AND CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL KOVSH. VASILY AGAFONOV. MOSCOW, RUSSIA, EARLY 20TH CENTURY. An outstanding example of early 20th-century Russian decorative arts, this monumental silver kovsh by the Moscow silversmith Vasily Agafonov is executed in the Neo-Russian style, incorporating polychrome cloisonné enamel and gilding. The body is conceived in the form of a stylised boat, its prominent prow terminating in a sculptural representation of a wading bird, identified as a snipe. The elongated beak and distinctive contours of the bird’s head lend a sense of movement to the composition, emphasising the originality of its artistic conception. This ornithomorphic interpretation of a traditional Russian vessel enhances its decorative appeal and ceremonial character. The exterior is almost entirely covered with an elaborate polychrome cloisonné enamel composition. Against a richly coloured ground unfolds an intricate foliate design comprising rose-pink and crimson flower buds, turquoise and emerald-green acanthus scrolls, stylised foliage and geometric motifs. Fine silver cloisons precisely delineate the ornament, creating a striking interplay between colour and metal. Particular attention has been devoted to the bird’s head, decorated with translucent blue plique-à-jour-style enamel over an openwork lattice. The base of the beak is highlighted with golden-yellow enamel, while the elongated beak itself is highly polished, producing an expressive contrast of textures. The interior of the kovsh is richly fire-gilt. The upper rim is bordered by a decorative beaded band, accentuating the vessel’s flowing contours. The tall, shaped handle, modelled as the bird’s tail, is supported by an openwork strut ornamented with motifs characteristic of the Neo-Russian style. Its impressive dimensions, carefully articulated sculptural form, richness of enamel colouring and exceptional quality of workmanship distinguish this kovsh as a representative example of Moscow silverwork from the late Historicist period. Marks: Maker’s mark «ВА» of the Moscow silversmith Vasily Agafonov; Moscow assay mark for 1899–1908, depicting a female head in a kokoshnik facing right within an oval punch, accompanied by the silver standard mark «84» (875/1000); assay master’s initials «ИЛ» for Ivan Sergeyevich Lebedkin. Dimensions: Length: 46.5 cm. Height: 27 cm. Width: 23 cm. Weight: 2,045 g. Materials: 84 zolotnik silver (875/1000), cloisonné enamel, gilding. Condition: Very good state of preservation. The enamels retain their brilliance and the richness of their original colour palette. Minor signs of age and use are present, together with occasional small enamel chips consistent with the age of the object. Evidence of an earlier restoration to the gilding is visible on the interior of the kovsh. Provenance: Private collection. Expert Opinion: The attribution to Vasily Agafonov is supported by the expert opinion of Maxim Charron. Width: 46.5cm, Height: 27cm, Depth: 23cm, Weight: 2.045kg, Condition: Good, Material: Silver 84, Cloisonné enamel, ID: ID-ANTQ-15544