Russian silver niello trompe-l’oeil snuff box in the form of a book, Moscow, 1883
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1883
This finely crafted Russian snuff box, dating to 1883, is designed in the trompe-l’oeil manner to resemble a small antique book. Measuring 5.5 x 9.4 x 2.5 cm and weighing 119 grams, the object is constructed from silver and features detailed niello work, gilding, and engraving.
The box is expertly articulated with a curved spine and edges finished in gilding to imitate pages. The lid is centered with a detailed panoramic view of the Moscow Kremlin, depicted using the niello technique and enclosed within a scalloped cartouche, all set against a background of woven texture. The reverse side of the snuff box is adorned with an elaborate ornamental panel reflective of the Pan-Slavic taste prevalent in the period.
The box bears official hallmarks including the maker’s mark "IA" and the Moscow assay mark for 84 zolotnik silver standard. This piece exemplifies the historicising trends in late 19th-century Russian decorative arts, combining functional metalwork with representational miniature art.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 119 g
- Material
- silver, niello, gilding
- Dimensions
- 5.5 x 9.4 x 2.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Marks
- maker’s mark "IA"; Moscow assay mark; 84 zolotnik silver standard
Design
- Obverse
- panoramic view of the Moscow Kremlin in niello within a scalloped cartouche
- Reverse
- ornamental panel in Pan-Slavic taste
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- IA
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.