What is the history of Russian cloisonne enamel silver?

Russian cloisonne enamel silver gained widespread international prominence during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, particularly through master silversmiths in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Artists utilised delicate filigree wires soldered onto silver vessels and flatware to create isolated cells, which were then filled with colourful vitreous enamel powder and fired.

What materials and techniques were used to create antique Russian enamel spoons?

These items were crafted using high-purity silver, often standard 84 zolotniks, which was subsequently gilded with a micro-layer of gold. Decorative patterns were created using silver wire cloisonne cells filled with ground glass pigments and fired in a kiln before being polished flat.

How do collectors identify authentic Russian silver cloisonne items?

Authentic pieces feature standard Imperial Russian hallmark stamps, including the city mark, assayers mark, purity mark, and makers initials. The enamel execution should show precise wirework without excessive pitting, and gilded silver surfaces should exhibit natural age-appropriate wear.

How can Russian enamel silver spoons be incorporated into modern interior decor?

These detailed objects are best displayed in velvet-lined shadow boxes, brass framed glass vitrines, or arranged on decorative trays atop sideboards. Their intricate polychrome patterns add historical texture and colour contrast when paired with contemporary minimalist joinery.

What is the correct procedure for cleaning and preserving enamelled silver flatware?

Enamelled silver should be cleaned carefully using a soft microfiber cloth and mild soap solution, avoiding submersion in boiling water or ultrasonic cleaners. Abrasive polishes must be avoided as they can scratch the glass enamel surface and strip the gilding.

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Antique Russian Silver Enamel Spoons Cloisonne Set of 6 - Dmitrii Nikolaevich Nikolaev C.1900

Name: Antique Russian Silver Enamel Spoons Cloisonne Set of 6 - Dmitrii Nikolaevich Nikolaev C.1900
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1197215
Price: 1250 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this beautiful set of six antique Imperial Russian solid silver cloisonné spoons, made c.1900 by Dmitrii Nikolaevich Nikolaev, Moscow.

The magnificent cloisonne-work, typical of fine 19th c. Russian silver enamelware, whilst intricate and splendid on every single piece, truly comes to life when in a set and amongst one another.

In spite of what could be a very bland and utilitarian item, each piece has been decorated and treated as an object of vertu to display a high degree of craftsmanship, artistry and design.

Such contrast and artistic juxtaposition between utility and ornamentation is particularly delightful on these pieces and serves as a wonderful aesthetic contrast in interior settings among other silverware or as a highlighting piece on a table. The colourful enamel and delicacy are almost jewel-like and would also gracefully complement jewellery collections.

The bowl and terminals have been gorgeously enamelled with a range of vivid colours, each immaculately filled in each 'cloison' (the compartment between the twist rope borders) shaped as various scrolls and foliate motifs. The stem of the spoons features a lovely writhen/twisted design.

Overall, the quality feel in hand, intricate silverwork and the colourful enamelling are delightful and make a splendid collectable and display of fine 19th c. Russian silverware.

All pieces are marked with Russian 84 kokoshnik hallmarks along with the maker's mark.

*Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) L:10.8 W:2.2

Size (inches) L:4.52 - 5.31in

Combined Weight: 86.8 grams (2.79 Troy oz) total.

Condition

Good Condition - The set is in overall good antique condition. One spoon has restoration to its stem (last image) and some minor enamel loss can be seen only under close inspection.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

- Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated these Russian Silver Enamel Spoons to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1197215

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this beautiful set of six antique Imperial Russian solid silver cloisonné spoons, made c.1900 by Dmitrii Nikolaevich Nikolaev, Moscow.

The magnificent cloisonne-work, typical of fine 19th c.

“

Russian silver enamelware, whilst intricate and splendid on every single piece, truly comes to life when in a set and amongst one another.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. Set of six antique Russian silver gilt spoons featuring blue, red, and white cloisonne enamel scrollwork on the backs of the teardrop-shaped bowls. — fig 1. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Spoons Cloisonne Set of 6 - Dmitrii Nikolaevich Nikolaev C.1900

In spite of what could be a very bland and utilitarian item, each piece has been decorated and treated as an object of vertu to display a high degree of craftsmanship, artistry and design.

Such contrast and artistic juxtaposition between utility and ornamentation is particularly delightful on these pieces and serves as a wonderful aesthetic contrast in interior settings among other silverware or as a highlighting piece on a table. The colourful enamel and delicacy are almost jewel-like and would also gracefully complement jewellery collections.

fig 2. Set of six antique Russian silver gilt spoons featuring blue, red, and white cloisonne enamel scrollwork on the backs of the teardrop-shaped bowls. — fig 2. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Spoons Cloisonne Set of 6 - Dmitrii Nikolaevich Nikolaev C.1900

The bowl and terminals have been gorgeously enamelled with a range of vivid colours, each immaculately filled in each 'cloison' (the compartment between the twist rope borders) shaped as various scrolls and foliate motifs. The stem of the spoons features a lovely writhen/twisted design.

fig 3. Set of six antique Russian silver gilt spoons featuring blue, red, and white cloisonne enamel scrollwork on the backs of the teardrop-shaped bowls. — fig 3. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Spoons Cloisonne Set of 6 - Dmitrii Nikolaevich Nikolaev C.1900

Overall, the quality feel in hand, intricate silverwork and the colourful enamelling are delightful and make a splendid collectable and display of fine 19th c. Russian silverware.

All pieces are marked with Russian 84 kokoshnik hallmarks along with the maker's mark.

fig 4. Set of six antique Russian silver gilt spoons featuring blue, red, and white cloisonne enamel scrollwork on the backs of the teardrop-shaped bowls. — fig 4. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Spoons Cloisonne Set of 6 - Dmitrii Nikolaevich Nikolaev C.1900

Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) L:10.8 W:2.2

Size (inches) L:4.52 - 5.31in

Combined Weight: 86.8 grams (2.79 Troy oz) total.

fig 5. Set of six antique Russian silver gilt spoons featuring blue, red, and white cloisonne enamel scrollwork on the backs of the teardrop-shaped bowls. — fig 5. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Spoons Cloisonne Set of 6 - Dmitrii Nikolaevich Nikolaev C.1900

Condition

Good Condition - The set is in overall good antique condition. One spoon has restoration to its stem (last image) and some minor enamel loss can be seen only under close inspection.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

fig 6. Set of six antique Russian silver gilt spoons featuring blue, red, and white cloisonne enamel scrollwork on the backs of the teardrop-shaped bowls. — fig 6. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Spoons Cloisonne Set of 6 - Dmitrii Nikolaevich Nikolaev C.1900

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.