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Antique rare amusing Russian silver model of a bear, St Petersburg, circa 1890

$13,000
£9,869.38
€11,288.46
CA$18,162.89
A$20,201.09
CHF 10,548.38
MX$245,825.81
NOK 134,718.95
SEK 126,342.61
DKK 84,250.13
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About the Item

Antique 19th Century rare Imperial Russian solid silver statue depicting a bear sitting and Hogging a tree stump, heavy cast and engraved to the last detail. Hallmarked Russian Silver 84 (875 standard), St Petersburg, Maker Alexander Lokin. This rare find is an amazing example of Russian imperial silver works, mostly made for Royalty in Russia or exporting to other wealthy families and individuals in all of Europe. The base of this silver bear is hand carved from a massive single piece of green onyx, shaped as A Boulder. Great desk ornament or an amazing addition to any important antique silver Collection Measurements : Height : 5.9 inch / 15 cm Width : 4.8 inch / 12 cm Condition : Perfect condition to its age, no brakes, no restorations, Some minor scratches and age related wear. Russian lapidary work (of the onyx base) : The hand carved green onyx base of this sculpture is designed as A naturalistic but also Modernistic boulder, with its smooth lines its a perfect example of The late 19th century Lapidary works made in Russia. during the second half of the 19th Century, demand grew For copies of the many treasures admired by visitors on the Northern Grand Tour, which Included Russia. So shops and Galleries sprung up on the Nevsky Prospect, St Petersburg, to serve these new and wealthy visiting customers. At The same time an Influx of Italian craftsmen brought with them new skills and techniques Which they used To maximise the beauty of these hardstone objects.The Bolshevik Revolution inevitably Saw the collapse of this luxury goods trade. Green Onyx gemstone is way lot more than its pretty look. a powerful stone that Possesses strong properties. Yet it is less famous than other varieties of Onyx. Having all The primary qualities of all forms of Onyx, it resonates around the heart chakra. The Green Onyx is highly admired for its discipline, determination and strength). Russian silver fineness hallmarking: The standard of fineness in Russia is usually measured in zolotniks and there are 96 Zolotniks to the russian pound. the most common fineness to be encountered is 84 and This corresponds to 875 parts per 1000 silver, which falls between the most common European standard of 800 and the sterling standard of Britain which is 925/1000. The Russian bear : The Russian Bear (Russian: Русский медведь, romanized: Russky medved) is a Widespread symbol (generally of a Eurasian brown bear) for Russia, used in articles and Dramatic plays since as early as the 16th century, and relating alike to the Russian Empire, The Russian Provisional Government and Russian Republic, There have been a few Examples of Russians depicting bears in coats of arms, mainly showing polar bears and Brown bears. The Novgorod Oblast coat of arms and flag include two brown bears. The Republic of Marii El's coat of arms is a red bear with a sword and shield. The idea of the Russian bear that pushes Russianness first appeared not in Russia but in The West. It is unknown when the Russian bear was first used in the West but One of the Earliest usages of it was from William Shakespeare's Macbeth in Act 3, Scene 4. Where Shakespeare referred to a "rugged Russian bear." You can also find Multiple maps from the 17th to the 20th centuries show Russia as Inhabited and represented by bears. The maps started with small bears to represent Russia. The small use of the Russian bear led one scholar to suggest that the West Viewed Russia as "realms for wild animals" by pointing out the comparison between the Bears in Russia and the lions in North Africa. Over time these bears started to represent The entire country and In the end, the bears became connected with the idea of Russia, Rather than small animals on the map.
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1890
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. perfect condition for its age, no brakes, no restorations, some minor scratches and age related wear.
  • Seller Location:
    Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU8130235327252

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