LARGE Antique Cloisonne Enamel Silver Bowl by Alexeev, Moscow, c.1890

A SUPERB antique Imperial Russian large silver-gilt and shaded cloisonne enamel jeweled bowl (bratina)

by Nicholas Alexeev, made in Moscow around 1890

Height 3 1/2 in. (9 cm). Diameter 5 in. (12,8 cm).

Weight 396 g (14 oz).

$29,000.00

The lobed body is enameled with stylized corals and floral designs.

Nicholas Alexeev specialized in lobed bowls with cabochon stones. This piece is significantly bigger and heavier than other Alexeev bowls (bratinas) which appear on the market today. The coral enameled decorations of this bowl are also very unusual.

Bratina - is a traditional Russian medieval drinking vessel of czars and boyars (pre-1700 court aristocracy).

In the late 19th -early 20th century there was a revival of interest in old Russian shapes and decorative motifs. Moscow silversmiths followed the trend and produced various silver objects in the 17th century taste with or without enamel, sometimes decorated with cabochon semi-precious stones. In the 17th century, enamel was extensively used to enrich silver bratinas, kovshes (boat shaped bowls with one handle), stopas (beakers), icons, etc. The later Moscow silversmiths developed new highly elaborate designs (based on 17th century prototypes) which by far surpassed the originals. The majority of enameled objects from the later period served purely decorative purposes and were often intended as presentation pieces.