A Russian engraved steel and faceted steel studs mirror, attributed to the manufactory of Tula, early 19th century
No reserve
Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 EUR
Lot Details
Description
movable, oval shaped, surmounted by a stylized crown, with an engraved decoration of flowers and foliages, on a stem on a circular base
Haut. 45 cm, height. 17 3/4 in
Please note that on 27 July 2022 the United States imposed import tariffs on certain Russian goods. This lot may be subject to a tariff upon import into the United States. The amount of the import tariff due is a percentage of the value declared upon entry into the United States.
Related literature
A. Chenevière, Splendeurs du mobilier russe 1780-1840, London, 1989, pp. 245-255.
M. Malchenko, Objets d'art en acier réalisés par les artisans de Toula, Leningrad, 1974.
Toula Manufactory
The city of Toula, located south of Moscow, was founded in the 12th century. It is located near important iron mines, which allowed it to develop ironwork, particularly weapons, thanks to the creation of the imperial arsenal in 1712 by Tsar Peter the Great. The director of the manufactory quickly decided to diversify production by making small objects, furniture and locks. These pieces were highly successful, manufactured using armoury techniques such as chasing, bluing and plating. This production reached its peak during the reign of Catherine II of Russia, when the manufactory began producing objects using a new technique involving the cutting and polishing of faceted pieces, such as diamonds, sometimes with silver inlays and gilt-bronze mounts (see A. Chenevière, Splendeurs du mobilier russe 1780-1840, London, 1989, pp. 245-255). These objects were presented at fairs, the most important of which was in Sofia, near Tsarskoye Selo, where the Tsarina made numerous purchases. Alongside the pieces of furniture, more modest pieces of equivalent quality were produced, including our mirror, whose decoration is based on Russian models with a neoclassical inspiration, featuring foliage scrolls and pearl decoration.
For a similar mirror, see sale Property From the Collections of Lily and Edmond Safra, Replica Shoes ’s, New York, 18 October 2011, lot 43, and another with an eagle, sale Christie’s, Paris, 5 May 2011, lot 504.