43 - RUSSIAN SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A CAST-IRON COOKING POT. ST PETERSBURG, 1896–1903.

RUSSIAN SILVER SALT CELLAR IN THE FORM OF A CAST-IRON COOKING POT. ST PETERSBURG, 1896–1903. An original Russian silver salt cellar modelled as a miniature cast-iron cooking pot, a characteristic form of traditional Russian domestic ware. The restrained rounded body, with its pronounced rim and small handles, reproduces the distinctive silhouette of an old Russian cooking vessel, transformed by the silversmith into an elegant piece of table silver. The salt cellar is crafted in 84 zolotnik silver; the interior is gilt, creating an attractive contrast with the silver exterior. Its miniature scale and adaptation of a familiar form of traditional Russian household ware lend the object the character of an artistic miniature, combining functionality with a distinctly Russian aesthetic. Made in St Petersburg between 1896 and 1903 by a silversmith working under the initials “ГБ” (GB). Hallmarks: Registered maker’s mark “ГБ” (GB); St Petersburg official assay mark for 1896–1903 with the initials of assay inspector Yakov Lyapunov, comprising a woman’s head in a kokoshnik facing left and the numeral “84”, indicating the silver standard. Weight: 16 g. Condition: Good, with minor traces of age and use. Width: 3.5cm, Height: 2.5cm, Depth: 3.5cm, Weight: 0.02kg, Condition: Good, Material: Silver 84, ID: ID-ANTQ-948