A Russian Gilded Silver and Shaded Enamel Five-Piece Desk Set, Ovchinnikov, Moscow, 1908-1917

comprising an inkstand, inkwell, a pair of candlesticks and blotter, all enamelled in the stil modern taste with stylized floral and vegetal ornament in pastel shades

Christie's New York, 14 April 1994, lot 85, illustrated

very good condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This unusual desk set is of great interest because it is a rare example of the impact of the international Arts and Crafts movement in Russian design. Variously called the Neo-Russian style or the stil modern, it can be seen most clearly in architecture and the graphic design of artists like Ivan Bilibin. Under its influence, many Russian silversmiths changed the sort of ornament they applied to their designs, but few attempted a new approach to form itself. This desk set, with its massive, columnar forms and stylized pine trees and strawberries would have meshed perfectly with the sort of new interiors being designed by architects such as Fedor Shekhtel or Lev Kekushev for Moscow’s elite.