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Antique Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Cloisonne - Maria Semenova C.1900
Sold by Artisan Antiques
sold SA1197216
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Artisan Antiques

Artisan Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2020
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Antique Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Cloisonne - Maria Semenova C.1900

19th century
Sold 17 June 2026 · Artisan Antiques
This “Antique Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Cloisonne - Maria Semenova C.1900” found a buyer.

It was listed by Artisan Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

We are delighted to offer this beautiful antique Imperial Russian solid silver cloisonné sugar tong, made c.1900 by Maria Semenova, Moscow.

The magnificent polychrome and vibrant cloisonne-work, typical of Semenova's work is splendid even on a single sugar tong. In spite of what could be a very bland and utilitarian item, it 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 inner side of the tongs has been silver-gilt and the top portions have been applied with gorgeous enamelling 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.

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

The tong is marked with a Russian 84 kokoshnik hallmark along with the maker's mark "MC".

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

Size

Size (cm) L:9cm W:1cm

Size (inches) L:3.54 W:0.39

Combined Weight: 18.2 grams (0.58 Troy oz) total.

Condition

Good Condition - The tongs are in overall good antique condition. Some enamel loss can be seen under closer inspection as shown in the images.

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) -

Date of Manufacture

Artisan Antiques has dated these Russian Silver Sugar Tongs to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1197216
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 antique Imperial Russian solid silver cloisonné sugar tong, made c.1900 by Maria Semenova, Moscow.
“
The magnificent polychrome and vibrant cloisonne-work, typical of Semenova's work is splendid even on a single sugar tong.
Artisan Antiques

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

fig 1. An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips.
fig 1. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Cloisonne - Maria Semenova C.1900

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. An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips.
fig 2. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Cloisonne - Maria Semenova C.1900

The inner side of the tongs has been silver-gilt and the top portions have been applied with gorgeous enamelling 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.

fig 3. An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips.
fig 3. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Cloisonne - Maria Semenova 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 Imperial Russian silverware.

The tong is marked with a Russian 84 kokoshnik hallmark along with the maker's mark "MC".

fig 4. An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips.
fig 4. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Cloisonne - Maria Semenova 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:9cm W:1cm

Size (inches) L:3.54 W:0.39

Combined Weight: 18.2 grams (0.58 Troy oz) total.

fig 5. An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips.
fig 5. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Cloisonne - Maria Semenova C.1900

Condition

Good Condition - The tongs are in overall good antique condition. Some enamel loss can be seen under closer inspection as shown in the images.

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. An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips.
fig 6. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Cloisonne - Maria Semenova 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.

fig 7. An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips.
fig 7. Antique Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Cloisonne - Maria Semenova C.1900

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) -

Date of Manufacture

Artisan Antiques has dated these Russian Silver Sugar Tongs to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1197216
Artisan Antiques
Artisan Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2020

Artisan antiques based in london, brings to you a global selection of fine antique silverware.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Artisan Antiques Profile Page

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An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. SOLD17 JUN 26
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Archive I An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. SOLD17 JUN 26

Antique Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Cloisonne - Maria Semenova C.1900

Archive II An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. View II
Archive III An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. View III
Archive IV An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. View IV
Archive V An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. View V
Archive VI An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. View VI
Archive VII An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. View VII
Archive VIII An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. View VIII
Archive IX An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. View IX
Archive X An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. View X
Archive XI An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. View XI
Archive XII An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. View XII
Archive XIII An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips. View XIII
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Telephone 07578 761640
Location
London
United Kingdom
Verified Since Dec 2020
Items For Sale 81
Items Sold 531
Artisan Antiques
Artisan Antiques
Verified Since Dec 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Verified
Dec 2020
For Sale
81
Sold
531
An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips.
Antique Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Cloisonne - Maria Semenova c.1900
Ref: SA1197216
An antique Russian silver sugar tong featuring intricate multicoloured cloisonne enamel decoration and textured gilt grips.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectServing Utensils
  • Period19th century
  • StyleImperial Russian
  • MaterialSilver, Enamel, Gilt
  • ColourMulticoloured
  • MotifsCloisonne enamel, Foliate scrolls, Gilt texturing

Russian cloisonne enamel from this period is characterised by vibrant multicoloured vitreous pastes set within thin wire compartments, often featuring stylised foliate motifs against a textured gilt ground.

Master silversmiths typically employed high-grade silver, often gilt (vermeil), combined with hand-applied glass enamels fused through kiln firing using traditional wire-bending cloisonne methods.

Authentic pieces generally bear traditional Russian assay marks, including the standard silver fineness numerals (such as 84 zolotniki), makers initials or full names like Maria Semenova, and town hallmarks.

These small decorative objects can be displayed within glass-fronted cabinets, on silver trays atop sideboards, or integrated into sophisticated tablescapes to introduce historic craftsmanship.

Enamelware requires gentle cleaning with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh silver dips or abrasive cloths that can damage the delicate glass vitreous layers and gilt surfaces.
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