IGNATY SAZIKOV
AFTER E. LANCERAY
TROIKA
IMPERIAL RUSSIAN SILVER SCULPTURE
Moscow, ca. 1875
This exquisite sculpture masterfully captures the essence of rural life, featuring an elderly peasant standing proudly, reins held firmly in his hands. Behind him, nestled in a beautifully crafted sleigh, are his son and grandson, with the latter energetically guiding the horses using a whip. Each figure is adorned in traditional peasant attire, which not only adds authenticity but also reflects their connection to the land and their heritage. Their faces are wonderfully expressive, conveying a sense of pride, determination, and the bond of family.
The craftsmanship of this outstanding silver sculpture, along with its original marble base, showcases an extraordinary level of artistry. The intricate details are so skillfully rendered that one can almost visualize the steam rising from the horses' nostrils in the crisp, frosty air. The air seems to vibrate with the sound of the horses’ hooves crunching through the fresh snow, creating a vivid auditory backdrop to the scene.
As the troika gallops at full speed, it leaves behind distinct impressions of horseshoes on the pristine snow, marking their journey through the wintry landscape. This dynamic movement not only brings the sculpture to life but also invites viewers to imagine the story behind this moment—an intimate glimpse into the daily life and enduring spirit of a hardworking family united by tradition and the rhythms of nature.
Dimensions:
Max. Height: 7.1 inches (17.75 cm) Height of sculpture: 5.75 inches (14.4 cm)
Length of sculpture: 10.5 inches (26.25 cm) Width of sculpture: 7.66 inches (19 cm)
Height of base: 1.33 inches (3.4 cm) Length of base: 10.5 inches (26.25 cm)
Width of base: 6.25 inches (15.6 cm)
Markings: Fully hallmarked with maker's marks «ИС» (IS for Ignaty Sazikov), «Сазиковъ» (Sazikov) beneath Imperial warrant, 84 silver standard, and Moscow town crest (circa 1850’s, Postnikova & Loseva #2013).
Materials: 84-standard silver (sculpture), Makarov white Ural marble (base).
Technique: Casting, embossing, engraving, incusing.
Provenance: Sotheby’s New York, 1992. Private collection, New York City.
IGNATY SAZIKOV (1793 - 1868) (in Russian: Игнатий Сазиков) is undoubtedly one of the most important Russian silversmiths and jewelers of all times. Ignaty Sazikov, the Sazikov firm founder's son, was the dynasty's most renowned member, and his talent earned him the unofficial title of Russia's Benvenuto Cellini. Born in Moscow province in 1793, he moved with his family to Moscow where he was apprenticed to his father. At his father’s death in 1830, he inherited his workshop and opened a factory in St. Petersburg and a professional school for eighty goldsmiths and silversmiths. In 1846, the firm received the Imperial Warrant by Tsar Nicholas I, becoming official supplier of the Tsar. The firm produced mainly objects of vertu and exclusive tableware in Neo-Russian style; sculptural and figurative pieces, representing historical themes or genre scenes, as well as icon rizas, and even icon screens for churches. The articles differed in artistic value and prices, ranging from the most ordinary to exclusive ones intended for the royal court and for trade fairs. Sazikov contracted the most prominent Russian artists and sculptors of his time to work on his orders. The firm has also exhibited in several World Fairs - at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, Ignaty Sazikov received gold medal; and in 1867, he was awarded with the legion d’Honneur at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. One of his most important pieces that won him the golden awards is a desk-size sculpture, representing a trio of horses, created by the great Eugene Lanceray, a famous Russian painter and sculptor. After Ignaty Sazikov death his two sons, Pavel and Sergei took over the business and have managed it until 1887, when the company was sold to the firm of Khlebnikov.
SAZIKOV’S TROIKA: THE EXHIBITION
In his Decree dated December 11 (22), 1719, Peter the Great set up a state form of storing valuables, which belonged to Russia. According to this Decree, special department, Kammer Collegium, was founded. Its regulations listed the existing valuables and stated the procedure of their storage in the State Treasury, called GOHRAN nowadays. A unique exhibition organized and curated by GOHRAN took place In Moscow in winter of 2014, "The Great Masters of the 19th Century. The Sazikov Jewelry House and its Contemporaries". Today, the work of the Sazikov jewelry house is in the collections of the largest museums in the world - the Moscow Kremlin, the State Hermitage Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, as well as in private collections. However, a special place is occupied by Sazikov’s collection of the Gokhran of Russia. The collection demonstrates the highest level of the masters of the company, their contribution to the development of small sculptures and ornamental art.
SAZIKOV’S TROIKA: THE COMMEMORATIVE COIN
In 2016, in honor of the Sazikov jewelry company, the Bank of Russia has issued a “Jewelry Art in Russia” commemorative coin, made of 925 silver of a total weight of 169 grams. Featuring on the obverse the famous Troika sculpture by Ignaty Sazikov, the coin was minted at the St. Petersburg Mint and amounted to 850 copies.
SAZIKOV’S TROIKA: THE COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL
In 2017, Goznak (a Russian joint-stock company responsible for rsearch and development as well as manufacturing security products including banknotes, coins, stamps, identity cards, secure documents, state orders and medal ) has eleased a series of 7 table medals dedicated to illustrious Russian jewelers. One of the medals is dedicated to Ignaty Sazikov. The obverse of the medal depicts the famous sculptural composition "Troika", created by the House of Sazikov after the design and model of no-less famous artist and sculptor, Eugene A. Lansere.
SAZIKOV’S TROIKA: THE POSTAL STAMP
In 2018, the Russian Post issued a jubilee postage stamp with a face value of 27 Rubles with an image of Sazikov’s most popular sculpture, created by him in bronze and silver for 10 consecutive years (!), from 1870 to 1880.
PRICE UPON REQUEST
Wasen Anders Alexander
Russian Imperial 84° Silver
Candy Basket
St. Petersburg, Russia, 1879
Workmaster (marked “W.A”): Wasen Anders Alexander, St. Petersburg, 1879
Essayist: marked with Russian initials “I.E.” (Unidentified) and dated 1879.
Good antique condition consistent with age and use.
Weight: 23.7oz (670 g)
Dimensions:
Height: 8.25 inches (20.95 cm) Length: 9.13 inches (23.19cm) Depth: 7.13 inches (18.11 cm)
sold
Russian 84° Silver
Presentation Tea SERVING Set
Workmaster: Grigoriy Sbitnev
Moscow, Russia
Ca. 1908
Workmaster (marked “G.S.”): Grigoriy Mikhailovich Sbitnev
Grigory Mikhailovich Sbitnev, owner of a factory of gold, silver and bronze products, founded in 1893, in Moscow.
In 1897, he employed 40 workers, and his factory produced items for 100,000 rubles.
Original wooden presentation box.
All four of the enclosed silver items were never used, like new.
Total weight (4 items): 6.1oz (171 g)
Dimensions of presentation box: 8.25 x 6.5 x 1.75 inches (20.62 x 16.25 x 4.37 inches)
Dimensions of silver items:
Tea strainer: 6.75 inches (16.87cm) Sugar scoop: 4.63 inches (11.57cm) Fork for lemon: 4.88 inches (12.2cm) Sugar tongs: 5.88 inches (14.7cm)
$1,200
Dimensions:
Height: 14-3/4 inches Width: 13-3/8 inches Depth: ½ inches Photo opening: 9-1/4 inches x 7-7/8 inches
ANDREI ANANOV is the most famous contemporay jeweller in Russia. A jewelry artist, he is the general manager and founder of A. Ananov, a private company. He is also a professor holding the title of Honored Worker of Arts of Russia. Until 1988, he was stage director of the Drama Theater named after I. Komissarzhevskaya. Since 1988, a founder, president and general director of JSC A. Ananov ”(until October 2005, CJSC “Russian Jewelry Art”).
Andrei Ananov is the Knight of the First Degree Karl Faberge Order and holder of the title “The Best Jeweller of the Century.” Jewelry pieces bearing the Ananov trade mark are in the collections belonging to Her Majesty Elizabeth II, the Queen of Great Britain, Her Majesty Sofia, the Queen of Spain, Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, Albert Gore, Montserrat Caballe and many other outstanding personalities in the field of culture, art and politics. In 1991, Andrei Ananov signed a contract with the Faberge firm (France) on the use of the “Faberge from Ananov” brand.
$2.800
A Pair of
Russian Orthodox
Gospel Book Cover Enameled Medallions
XVIII Century
Both of these medallions have embellished the covers of the Russian Orthodox Gospel books. The larger medallion is inscribed on top ‘Resurrection of Christ’ (enameled metal, brass); and the smaller one is inscribed on the right ‘John’ for ‘St. John the Baptist’ (enameled metal, brass, glass). The enamel on the ‘Resurrection of Christ’ medallion is overall in a very good condition except for a few small chips on the very bottom, just over the frame. The enamel on the ‘St. John the Baptist’ medallion is in excellent condition but one glass rhinestone is missing. Sold in a lot, ‘as is’.
Dimensions:
‘Resurrection of Christ’ medallion:
Height: 2-5/8” Width: 2-1/16” Depth: 5/8”
‘St. John the Baptist’ medallion:
Height: 1-7/8” Width: 1-5/16” Depth: 3/16”
$675
Maria Semenova
Enameled Silver and Hand-Cut Crystal Box
Moscow, Imperial Russia
Ca. 1910s
Signed with Cyrillic initials M.S. for Maria Semenova.
Assay mark of Moscow, 1908-1917.
Silver standard: 84 zolotnik.
Dimensions: 3 3/4" W x 2 3/8" D x 1 5/8" H.
Maria Semenova (active 1896-1917) was an important Russian silversmith and enameller. Daughter of a well-known silversmith Vasili Semenov, Maria took over the family business after his death. Under her supervision, the firm became famous for its high-quality enamel objects.
sold
RUSSIAN IMPERIAL
Julius Rappoport
for Karl Faberge
Silver & Nephrite Paperweight
St Petersburg
Ca. 1900
Figural silver paper weight in form of a naturalistically cast male Black game, or Black grouse with its unique lyre-shaped tail, on the round nephrite base. Marked in Cyrillic, the workmaster's initials "I.P", "Faberge" and "Kokoshnik" with 84 standard silver purity mark.
Dimensions:
Height: 4 3/4 inches (12cm) Base diameter: 2 1/2 inches (6.5cm)
Julius Rappoport (1851-1917) was born Isaac Ambramovich Rappoport in the Datnovskii Jewish community in Kovno, Lithuania. In 1880, he began apprenticing in Berlin under the silversmith Scheff, and by 1884 he became a master and returned to St. Petersburg where he became Fabergé head silversmith. His workshop contributed to a range of objects, from animal sculptures to large dinner services. In the early 1890s he converted to Lutheranism and changed his name to Julius. Following his retirement in the early 1900s he left the fully equipped workshop to his workmen which became the First St. Petersburg Silver Artel. Beyond these few facts we know little, but Rappoport’s material legacy compensates for his biographical obscurity. In fact, Rappoport’s silver is so revered that connoisseurs of Fabergé’s oeuvre often comment that his silver production was among the finest pieces produced by the Fabergé workshop.
Russian Imperial Hunting for Black Grouse
In all probability, this elegant desk accessory, perhaps as a "mémoire" of a hunting trophy, had once adorned the desk of a passionate hunter, and clearly not a poor man! Since ancient times, hunting played a major role in the life of the Romanov dynasty emperors and Russian nobility. Many autocrats of this dynasty were passionate hunters, but especially seriously addicted to hunting were three of them: the emperors, Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas II. Many simply believe that kings hunted only large animals - bears, elk, wild boar, deer and bison. This is certainly not the case. Russian tsars loved many types of hunting, including game birds and especially the hunting for black grouse, found in the dense forests of central Russia in great abundance. Hunting was the main type of "haute société" recreation and leisure activities. At the beginning of the XIX century the Imperial hunting grounds were transferred from St. Petersburg to Peterhof. Then later, in 1858 they were transferred once again - this time to Gatchina, where they were located during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II, from1894 to 1917. As for the personal involvement of the last Russian sovereign in the hunt, we read in his diaries for 1907: "3 September. Total killed: 5 grouse, 1 black grouse and 4 hare. I did not shoot. "
$7,750
mid-century Russian
~ Russian Orthodox Pectoral Cross ~
XX Century
Cross Dimensions:
Height: 1 1/2 inches Width: 3/4 inches
Chain Dimensions:
Length: 23 inches Weight (total): 9.4 dwt / 14.6g
Made in St. Petersburg ca. 1990, this beautiful hand-made Russian Orthodox silver and blue enamel pectoral cross on a chain exactly reproduces the classic model, remaining most popular and unchanged since the 18th century.
sold
russian imperial
Pavel Sazikov
~ Box ~
St. Petersburg, Ca. 1856
Dimensions
Length: 2 15/16 inches (7.5cm) Width: 1 3/4 inches (4.5cm) Height: 1 1/2 Inches (3.75cm) Weight: 5 troy ounces (142.1 grams)
This fine work of a silversmith art was made during the era of Pavel Sazikov, the original establisher of the firm, which makes it especially valuable and important for the collectors of the Russian pre-Revolutionary silver objects and applied arts. The straight sided rectangular box minimalist design is striking, especially given the time of manufacture, and the perfect rendering. The most noteworthy element of this unique design is the pool on top of the lid, in the form of a simple ring on the loop. Another big surprise is that when the lid is removed, the interior of the box and the inside of the lid are richly gilded, powerfully contrasting with the simplicity of the overall design. Another pleasant surprise is that the bottom of the box and the reverse side of the lid are fully hallmarked:
- 84° Russian Silver Standard - The Russian silver standard is based on the zolotnik, a word derived fromthe Slavonic word for gold. The zolotnik was originally a gold coin circulating in Kievan Rus in the late 11th century, and wasoriginally pegged to 1/96th of a Russian pound, which was later changed to 1/72nd of a Russian pound. One zolotnik is equal to 4,266 grams.
- City hallmark of St. Petersburg - Two crossed anchors and a scepter.
- Master's hallmark - In Cyrillic: "PS" (ПС) for Paved Sazikov (Павел Сазиков)
- Assay master mark - In Cyrillic: "EB" (ЭБ) for Eduard Fyodorovich Brandenburg (Эдуард Федорович Бранденбург), and dated: 1856.
Pavel Sazikov (1793-1877)
A contemporary of Carl Fabergé, Pavel Sazikov is a highly important and respected 19th century Russian silversmith. The firm of Sazikov was founded as a workshop in Moscow by Pavel Sazikov in 1793. Though it remained family run, the business quickly expanded. After Pavel’s passing, his son Ignatti (1796-1868) succeeded him in running the business. Ignatti expanded the firm to Saint Petersburg in 1842. Around that time, Sazikov was appointed the title of court supplier, and the firm was given the right to incorporate the imperial double eagle into the Sazikov trademark. After Ignatti’s passing in 1868, his three son continued to run the business in Saint Petersburg, until that branch was closed in 1877. The Moscow branch continued for another ten years before it was taken over by another firm.
$1,450
MID-CENTURY Russian
~ Set of Wine Pitcher and 12 Glasses ~
Moscow, Ca. 1960
PITCHER MEASUREMENTS:
Height: 13 1/2 inches Width: 7 inches
GLASS MEASUREMENTS:
Height: 4 1/2 inches Top diameter: 2 1/4 inches Bottom diameter: 2 inches
Presented here is a wonderful cut crystal-and-silver set, consisting of a tall pitcher with the gold plated inner part of the neck and cover and twelve matching glasses with the silver rim featuring repeating acanthus leaf design.All silver parts of the set are hallmarked with a barrel shaped cartouche with the image of a sickle & hammer inside a 5-pointed star, followed by the number 875, and capital letter M in front of the star image is for Moscow assay inspection. Next to them, there is another stamped hallmark "3MO" (Mosremchas factory, Moscow). Judging by these hallmarks, this set was made in Moscow between 1960 and 1965.There is also an engraved inscription in Russian on the outer part of the pitcher's neck: "To Yakov Georgievich on his seventieth birthday from the guys, 1966"
$4,000
RUSSIAN IMPERIAL
Karl Fabergé
~ A Pair of Silver & Jasper Photograph Frames ~
Ca. 1908 - 1917
Dimensions:
Height: 3 5/8 inches (9.2cm) Width: 2 7/8 inches (7cm)
A pair of silver-mounted Orsk Jasper photograph frames from the workshops of Peter Karl Fabergé, made between 1908 and 1917 in the Rococo taste, with oval apertures, surrounded by laurel leaf wreaths and the outside border with bead decoration; topped with ribbon and bow surmount. The wooden backs with scroll design easels.
Both frames are hallmarked on the bottomn in Cyrillic "Fabergé", "Kokoshnik" (facing right) with the 84° "zolotiniks" standard mark in an oval field and initials "KF". Every applied part (the laurel wreaths surrounding the apertures, and the easels) is hallmarked with "Kokoshnik" and initials "KF".
Jasper, excavated within the Orsk city line in the Mount Polkovnik (Ural mountains) is one of the most notable kind and is considered to be an "aristocrat" of the semi-precious stones Russia is famous for. Orsk jasper is revered for its variety of natural designs and colors. The grayish-green background color highlights the paler gray and milk-white natural patterns of this uncommon gemstone, forming an attractive contrast with the clean and simple lines of silver that elegantly frames it
Excellent antique condition with some minor signs of age or wear. Both frames have preserved their original beveled glass. Please observe photos carefully, as they are a significant part of the description. Any potential defect shown in the photos, but not mentioned in the description will be considered as described.
$16,000
Russian Imperial
Anton Vasyutinsky
IMPERIAL WEDDING
~ Commemorative SILVER Medal ~
St. Petersburg, Ca. 1894
Signed in Cyrilic "AB." on Side I, artist's initials for Anton Vasyutinsky
Dimensions;
Diameter: 70 mm Weight: ca.186.1g
References:
Sm 1088, Diakov 1164.1 (R3)
We are proud to present a very rare and important Imperial Russian silver medal, commemorating the wedding of Emperor Nicholas II of Russia and Alexandra Feodorovna (Princess Alice "Alix" of Hesse und Bei Rhein). Launched in extremely limited quantities, this medal was a royal gift to commemorate this historic event, reserved exclusively for guests in attendance at the royal wedding ceremony. The bas-relief compositions on both sides of this outstanding commemorative medal were made from the drawings and models of the unsurpassed master, Anton Feodorovich Vasyutinsky (1858 - 1935), a professor of Russian Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg, a famous painter and prominent designer of medals and coins in the Russian Empire, and later in Soviet Union.
Side I:
The conjoined busts of Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna (Princess Alice "Alix" of Hesse) depicts the couple at their last date, as bride and groom, before the wedding. The inscription, surrounding the double-image of the couple by the perimeter reads: "IN MEMORY OF THE WEDDING OF EMPEROR NICHOLAS II AND PRINCESS ALICE OF HESSE, 14 NOVEMBER 1894".
Side II:
The reverse side of the medal shows a royally magnificent wedding scene in the Grand Church of the Winter Palace, fully coinciding with the historical events depicted in it. Invitations had been sent out, along with a dress code: Russian gentlemen were to wear full regimental dress, bureaucrats were to wear the appropriate uniforms as stipulated in Peter the Great's Great Table of Ranks; Russian ladies were to come in full court dress, foreign women in evening gowns, with full jewels and awards. The service was presided over by Father Ivan Yanishev, the private imperial confessor; along with various archbishop, bishops, archimandrites and court priests. Among those present can be seen Nicholas's mother, the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, as well as his best men - Grand Dukes Michael, Cyril Vladimirovich, Sergei Mikhailovich and Prince George of Greece. In the center of the bas-relief composition, we can see the royal couple in all their autocratic splendor: Alexandra, dressed in her wedding gown and imperial mantle. Her Honiton lace veil had been designed by her maternal grandfather Prince Albert and had been worn at the weddings of her mother, Princess Alice (who died in 1878 when Alexandra was six) and her sisters.
She also wore the traditional Romanov nuptial crown, a 475 carat necklace and matching earrings that had belonged to Catherine the Great. Across her body, she wore the star and sash of the Order of St. Andrei. Next to his new wife-to-be is Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia vested in his full Hussar's uniform, complete with his medals and the sash of the Order of Hesse und Bei Rhein. After blessing them, Father Ivan Yanishev announced the betrothal of Nicholas to Alexandra to the congregation, and then handed them their rings. Upon exchanging them three times, Nicholas and Alexandra knelt and exchanged formal wedding vows, nuptial crowns above their heads. Then, they knelt and kissed a gold cross, and following a final prayer, Nicholas and Alexandra were pronounced man and wife, at which point the church bells across St. Petersburg rung, and guns were fired from the Peter and Paul Fortress.
sold
mid-century russian
~ a grand Crystal and Silver Serving Bowl ~
USSR, Ca. 1945
Dimensions:
Height: 4 1/2 inches Diameter: 8 1/2 inches
Presented here is a Vintage Russian Classic - cut crystal and serving bowl of unusually large dimensions, with a silver rim, featuring repeating oak leaf design. It is hallmarked with "875" and a cartouche with the worker's head facing right, holding a hummer over his shoulder. Judging by these hallmarks, the bowl was produced in Moscow, ca. 1945.
$1,600