A rare pair of decorative claret jugs produced by the Grachev Brothers firm, Purveyor to the Imperial Court, in St Petersburg during the early twentieth century. The globular bodies are fashioned from colourless crystal and enriched with elaborate diamond-cut decoration, forming an intricate geometric pattern of lozenges, stars and intersecting facets that brilliantly refract the light. The silver mounts are executed in a finely modelled naturalistic manner. Each neck is sculpted as the head of a rooster with meticulously chased plumage, comb, eyes and beak. The hinged covers are ingeniously integrated into the birds head and operate by means of a concealed hinge mechanism. Gracefully curved silver handles enhance the elegant silhouette of the vessels. The harmonious combination of virtuoso silver craftsmanship and finely cut crystal exemplifies the exceptional quality of the Grachev Brothers production and represents a distinguished example of Russian decorative arts from the late Imperial period. Hallmarks: Makers mark БР. ГРАЧЕВЫ beneath the Imperial double-headed eagle, reflecting the firms status as Purveyor to the Imperial Court. Official Russian 84 standard silver assay mark. St Petersburg, 1908–1917. Dimensions: Height: 24.5 cm. Width: 17 cm. Condition Report: Good condition. Minor signs of age and use consistent with the period. Hinged covers function correctly. Crystal free from significant damage.
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SILVER Seller in Alpes-Maritimes, France
