Dipper (Kovsh) and Covered Mustard Pot
Andres Johann Nevalainen
Late 19th - early 20th century
Silver, gilt, nephrite, enamel
Kovsh: 7.8 x 20 x 8.6 cm
Mustard pot: 8.5 x 10.9 x 7 cm
Faberge Workshop, St Petersburg
The Faberge Workshop is one of the best-known jeweller's firms in the world. Since the 1860s, the firm supplied numerous royal customers with its products. Karl Faberge, the son of the founder of the firm, was the favorite jeweller of the Russian imperial family. Alexander III commissioned him to make gifts for his wife and children, amongst which were the famous Easter eggs containing surprises and a splendid service for the heir. In 1885 Nicholas II and Alexandra Fyodorovna conferred the title of Supplier to the Court of His Imperial Majesty on Karl Faberge. Nicholas also commissioned the firm to make Easter eggs for presentation to his mother and wife, and gifts for various occasions.
This small kovsh has a silver rouble of 1775 soldered into it; the pot also bears coins: a silver poltina (half-rouble) of 1723, silver half poltinas of 1746 and 1764, and a poltina of 1756. The pieces are decorated with blue enamel.
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