KHOLMOGORY OR ARCHANGELSK, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Details

A RUSSIAN ENGRAVED IVORY CASKET**
KHOLMOGORY OR ARCHANGELSK, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
The canted rectangular hinged lid covered in later pink velvet above a geometric pierced frieze, the case with foliate incising and further pierced panels, velvet possibly replaced
4½ in. (10 cm.), 8½ in. (20 cm.), 6 in. (10.5 cm.)

Special notice

Notice Regarding the Sale of Material from Endangered Species. Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country

Lot Essay

Carving from walrus and mammoth ivory has had a long tradition within popular Russian folk art since the middle ages, originating in the northern regions but enjoying greater popularity in the second half of the eighteenth century. Several production centers of ivory carving were well known at the time. These included Kholmogory, Archangelsk, Moscow and St. Petersburg. In the second half of the eighteenth century, the best craftsmen migrated to St. Petersburg to practice their skills. They mostly produced small items such as caskets, work boxes, toilet boxes and combs.

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