An Imperial presentation silver-gilt kovsh


Yakov Maslennikov, Moscow, circa 1763of traditional form with raised prow and handle, the base repoussé with the Imperial double-headed eagle, the exterior tapering to Imperial eagle finial, the sides engraved in Old Russian within foliate cartouches, a further reserve with Empress Catherine in profile, the angled handle rising from repoussé and chased fruits to monogram for Catherine II terminating in Imperial crown 11.8 x 29.9 x 15.6cm (4 5/8 x 11 3/4 x 6 1/8in).
|ProvenancePresented to the commander of a Cossack regiment Ivan Artem'ev, 1763Acquired circa 1998 from Mazzoleni Gallery in Milan Thence by descent LiteratureMostra di Icone e di Argenteria Russa [Exhibition of Icons and Russian Silverware], Milan, 1972, catalogue p. 175, illustrated p. 142Don Cossacks were widely reputed for their rich military tradition, contributing to the defence and expansion of the Russian Empire. Catherine II relied on Cossack regiments from her ascension to the throne in 1762 and throughout her reign. Her most prominent officers were rewarded for their service with various gifts such as this presentation kovsh engraved in Old Russian 'Божиею Милостию Мы/ Екатерина Вторая/ Императрица и Самодержица Всероссийская/ и прочая и прочая и прочая//Пожаловали Си Ковшо Войска Донскаго Старшину и Воиваго/ Дьяка Ивана Артемьева/ Сына Янова За Ево Верныя Службы в Москве 1763 году Февраля 5 дня' [By God's grace, We, Catherine the Second, Empress and Autocrat of All-Russia, etc. etc. etc. awarded this kovsh to the Starshin (leader) of the Don Voisko (Cossack Army) and military D'iak Ivan Artemev, son of Ian, for his faithful service in Moscow 1763, February 5th]. The famous silversmith Yakov Maslennikov was born in Vladimir circa 1718 and was first employed by Vasily Kunkin in Moscow (1748-1758) before establishing his own workshop in 1758 with an outlet in the Silver Row. His hallmark appears on kovshes presented earlier by Empress Elisabeth as well as Catherine II. In 1760, Maslennikov was elected a merchant of the first guild and rose to master of the guild of silversmiths in 1762. Surviving works are preserved in the collection of the Kremlin Museums and the Historical Museum in Moscow as well as the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.