KHOLMOGORY, ARKHANGELSK PROVINCE, CIRCA 1800

Details

AN IVORY PRESENTATION CASKET
KHOLMOGORY, ARKHANGELSK PROVINCE, CIRCA 1800
Rectangular, with intricately carved openwork panels against foil ground, the ivory engraved with stylized dyed brown and green leaves, on four bracket feet, unmarked
5½ in. (14 cm.) high

Special notice

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 a been a tradition in Russian folk art since the Middle Ages, originating in the northern regions and enjoying widespread popularity in the second half of the 18th Century. Several production centers of ivory carving were well known at the time, including Kholmogory, Archangelsk, Moscow, and St. Petersburg. In the second half of the 18th Century the best craftsmen migrated to St. Petersburg to practice their skills. They produced mostly small items such as caskets, work boxes, toilet boxes and combs.

More from Russian Paintings and Works of Art

View All