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Imperial Russian Cloisonne Polka Dot Egg Pendant, Workmaster Ivan Khlebnikov

About the Item

This antique Imperial Russian gilt silver egg pendant showcases colorful polychrome cloisonné enamels depicting cute polka dot ornament produced by an outstanding jeweler Ivan Khlebnikov. Dimensions: Height (excluding suspension ring): 24 mm Width: 16.6 mm Weight: 7 gr The following marks are visible on the hanging ring of the pendant: an image of the number 84 indicating a standard of silver. The Cyrillic letters "И.Х" is the name of the master maker "I. Kh" According to official reference books, the Cyrillic initials "И.Х" belong to a great jeweler Ivan Khlebnikov. Ivan Petrovich Khlebnikov was born in 1819. His father, Pyotr Khlebnikov, had his jewelry production. Young Ivan worked in his father's organization from a young age and then ran his business. Ivan Petrovich was 52 years old when he opened the Moscow Jewelry Factory in 1871. Ivan Petrovich, who had been engaged in the trade of precious works for about 40 years, acquired outstanding technical knowledge in many areas of jewelry art. Khlebnikov's fame and success grew incredibly quickly. A year after the opening, the organization officially began to present jewelry to the court of Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich, brother of Emperor Alexander II. A year later, Khlebnikov's products were highly appreciated in Europe. By the time of his death in 1881, Ivan Khlebnikov had served as the official supplier of the Imperial Russian family, the Grand Dukes, and the sovereigns of Denmark, the Netherlands, Serbia, and Montenegro. Khlebnikov’s international acclaim stemmed from the numerous exhibitions he participated in, especially those in Vienna (1873) and Moscow (1872) - he won two gold medals at each of these. His company was known for producing decorative silver and enamel work which reinvented traditional Russian style and folk art through originality and a colorful palette. In particular, Khlebnikov was known for immaculate plique-à-jour and cloisonné enamel, and for works produced in the Russian and Modern styles. In the last photo, we have given examples of all the hallmarks of the Khlebnikov factory, which was produced from 1874 to 1917. And these are not even all the known examples. The enterprise, unfortunately for collectors, used a large number of hallmark punches. The coat of arms of the Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich can be displaced next to the manufacturer's name, and the double-headed eagle appeared in 1879. The hallmark on our egg pendant in Cyrillic "И.Х" (in the last photo number 1) was put from 1874 to 1879. After the death of Ivan Petrovich in 1882, the short hallmark with initials was not put, but only Cyrillic «ХЛЕБНИКОВЪ» или «ХЛЕБНИКОВЪ СЪ СЫНми и К°». The methodology for studying hallmarks developed at the Moscow State Research Institute of Restoration and the constantly expanding database allows for a comparative analysis of hallmarks of both the names and assay supervision. For example, the hallmarks (in the last photo. 1 and 5), despite all the apparent differences, were affixed by the same hallmark punch but with different striking forces. In good antique condition. Please note: Authentic Fabergé objects from the late 19th and early 20th centuries were not issued with certificates of authenticity. Authenticity is determined through examination of original maker’s marks and assay marks, materials, craftsmanship, construction techniques, and comparison with published reference examples. 1. Dear clients, We appreciate your attention and interest in our store and respect all your price suggestions. Please understand that we strive to maintain fair and competitive prices. We are always ready to discuss reasonable proposals and find a mutually beneficial solution. We'd like to ask you to refrain from offering excessive discounts and to exercise politeness and respect when making requests. All our prices are carefully thought out and we place full consideration of our items' quality into our pricing decisions. We are still open to discussion and willing to consider your pricing options, but please do not propose egregious offers. We will be grateful for your respectful attitude in your proposals. Thank you for understanding! 2. Dear international clients, Please note that most countries have an import tax on goods. This tax varies individually depending on your country's import policies. We cannot be responsible for all import taxes in the world. You are responsible for paying your own taxes, so please do not place this responsibility on us. Not paying the tax and demanding a refund when the item is shipped back entails significant financial unjustified losses for us. As soon as you clicked the pay button, you agreed to the rules of the 1stDibs platform and our store. Ignorance of the laws does not relieve you of responsibility. We, in turn, guarantee fast, reliable and free delivery to any country in the world. Please be respectful and understanding!
  • Creator:
  • Metal:
  • Weight:
    7 g
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 0.95 in (24 mm)Width: 0.66 in (16.6 mm)
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1874-1879
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Good antique condition with signs of time.
  • Seller Location:
    Chesterland, OH
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3746223710152