Bidspirit auction | Wedding salt cellar for karavay

Wedding salt cellar for karavay with enamel in the form of a tablecloth Pavel Ovchinnikov firm, Moscow, 1875 - A rare collectible salt cellar in the shape of a stylised tablecloth, crafted from silver with niello and decorated with polychrome enamel. Produced by the renowned firm of Pavel Ovchinnikov, purveyor to the Imperial Court. The upper section is shaped as a smooth circular bowl with a colorful frieze of alternating geometric patterns in blue and red. The base mimics a draped cloth with embossed floral and lace-like ornaments. On the front, a heraldic enamel medallion. The piece likely served as a wedding salt cellar for the traditional karavay bread ceremony, a symbol of hospitality, abundance and family unity in Russian custom. Hallmarks: Maker’s mark beneath the double-headed eagle: P. Ovchinnikov (in a rectangular cartouche). Moscow assay mark dated 1875 with initials V.S (Viktor Savinsky, assay inspector). State mark with silver standard 91 and Moscow city emblem (Saint George). Dimensions: Height: 5.1 cm. Width: 12.7 cm Weight: 171 g. Silver, 91 standard (.925) Condition: Generally good. Wear consistent with age, minor enamel losses. Provenance: Moscow, Pavel Ovchinnikov workshop, 1875 Condition : Good Warranty : Seller Warranty Material : Silver 91, Champlevé enamel Product sizes : Height - 5.1cm, Width - 12.7cm, Depth - 12.7cm Location : Gallery ”Antiqon”, Brivibas street 52, Riga, Latvia Gifts : Other Style : Neo-Russian Country : Royal Russia Period : 19th century