SPOON

Creator(s): Maria Semenova (Firm)

Currently in storage

About this object

Maria Semenova was an accomplished enameller known for her innovations with traditional Russian ornaments, such as this spoon and its matching kovsh, or drinking vessel (15.91.1). She took over her father's workshop upon his death in 1896 and sucessfully ran the business until 1904.

This long-handled spoon has a hook on the end for hanging or to prevent slipping. The color scheme and ornament demonstrate the influence of Art nouveau and Japanese design. Tertiary colors (deep khaki greens, burgundy red, pea green, and pale blue) rendered in opaque enamels predominate. On the back of the spoon is a flowering vine, the flower petals painted with shaded enamels, all set against a pale blue background. Above this appears to be an entirely abstract decorative form based on flowers or plants. A band of dark transparent enamel is relieved by circular voided cells. A row of petal-like forms seems to grow out of the band and sprout thin buds made of embedded wire topped by granulation. The top of the handle is enameled in an opaque deep pea green. Set within this is a twisting, flowering vine ornamented with twisted wire and granulation. The back of the handle and the bowl of the spoon are unornamented, lightly buffed silver gilt.

Object name:

SPOON

Made from:

Silver gilt -- enamel

Made in:

Moscow, Russia

Date made:

1903-1908

Size:

2.5 x 2.9 x 15.2 cm (1 x 1 1/8 x 6 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

15.91.2

Class:

ENAMEL

Signature marks:

silver standard, assayer's mark 84 [kokoshnik left] [Cyrillic] IL Struck inside bowl of spoon near edge. The three marks are contained within an oval. These so-called "doubles" (joined marks on a single poinçon) were introduced in the Assay Charter of 1882. This particular version (with kokoshnik and assayer's initials) was introduced in late 1898. The initials are those of Moscow assayer Ivan Sergeevich Lebedkin (active late 1898-1914). maker's mark [Cyrillic] MS Struck inside bowl of spoon near edge. The letters are set within an oval frame. Initials are those of the firm owner, Maria Semenova.

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973