A set of six Russian silver gilt andplique-a-jour enamel toasting beakers or shot glasses, Ovchinnikov, Moscow, 1899-1908. The small, tapering cylindrical beakers enameled in a pattern of scrolling, stylized flowers and foliage in intense, bright colors, within transparent ruby red borders with gilded silver twisted cable rims, the base with a brightly-colored blossom revealed to the reveler as soon as he or she finished their drink. Struck with maker's mark and 84 silver fineness standard. Height: 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm).Plique-à-jour is a vitreous enamel technique in which the enamel is applied in cells having no backing so that light can shine through. Called "window enamel" in Russian (оконная эмаль), the technique recalls stained glass windows; the difficulty and multiple firings required were part of the works' appeal. Translucentplique-a-jour enamel came into fashion in the late nineteenth century and European silversmiths and jewelers used it as an accent or, in the case of particularly skilled firms like Ovchinnikov, created entire vessels that could be used for dining or display. Indeed, Ovchinnikov was known for the intense colors their enamelers were able to create.