Julius Rappoport, Imperial Russian Silver and Nephrite Paperweight, circa 1900

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Julius Rappoport, Imperial Russian Silver and Nephrite Paperweight, circa 1900

About the Item

Workmaster Julius Rappoport for Karl Faberge, St Petersburg, circa 1900 Figural silver paper weight in form of a naturalistic cast male Black game, or Black grouse with its unique lyre-shaped tail, on the round nephrite base. Marked in Cyrillic "I.P", "Faberge", and "Kokoshnik" with 84 standard silver purity mark. Dimensions: Height: 4 3/4 inches (12cm) Base diameter: 2 1/2 inches (6.5cm) Julius Rappoport (1851-1917) was born Isaac Abramovich Rappoport in the Datnovskii Jewish community in Kovno, Lithuania. In 1880, he began apprenticing in Berlin under the silversmith Scheff, and by 1884 became a master and returned to St. Petersburg where he became Fabergé head silversmith. His workshop contributed to a range of objects, from animal sculptures to large dinner services. In the early 1890s he converted to Lutheranism and changed his name to Julius. Following his retirement in the early 1900s, he left the fully equipped workshop to his workmen, which became the First St. Petersburg Silver Artel. Beyond these few facts we know little, but Rappoport’s material legacy compensates for his biographical obscurity. In fact, Rappoport’s silver is so revered that connoisseurs of Fabergé’s oeuvre often comment that his silver production was among the finest pieces produced by the Fabergé workshops. Russian Imperial Hunting for Black Grouse. In all probability, this elegant desk accessory, perhaps as a "mémoire" of a hunting trophy, had once adorned the desk of a passionate hunter, and clearly not a poor man! Since ancient times, hunting played a major role in the life of the Romanov dynasty emperors and Russian nobility. Many autocrats of this dynasty were passionate hunters, but especially seriously addicted to hunting were three of them: the emperors, Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas II. Many simply believe that kings hunted only large animals - bears, elk, wild boar, deer and bison. This is certainly not the case. Russian tsars loved many types of hunting, including game birds and especially the hunting for black grouse, found in the dense forests of central Russia in great abundance. Hunting was the main type of "haute société" recreation and leisure activities. At the beginning of the XIX century the Imperial hunting grounds were transferred from St. Petersburg to Peterhof. Then later, in 1858 they were transferred once again - this time to Gatchina, where they were located during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II, from1894-1917. As for the personal involvement of the last Russian sovereign in the hunt, we read in his diaries for 1907: "3 September. Total killed: 5 grouse, 1 black grouse and 4 hare. I did not shoot. "

Creator:
Julius Rappoport (Jeweler)
Dimensions:
Height: 4.75 in (12.07 cm)Diameter: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
Style:
Art Nouveau (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Silver,Cast,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
Russia
Period:
1900-1909
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1900
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Good antique condition, wear consistent with age and use. We make our best effort to provide a fair and descriptive condition report. Send message to this seller to request more details or discuss price.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2819310434893