Seal box 1749
Silver | 5.6 x 12.6 x 13.2 cm (whole object) | RCIN 46041
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This circular box with a hinged lid is embossed with an Imperial eagle on a matted ground with a rim of laurel leaves; the sides chased with alternating orbs and Imperial crowns joined by laurel swags on a matted ground.
Under Peter the Great a policy of ennobling servitors of the state was instituted, to bring new blood to the Russian aristocracy. New patents of nobility were presented accompanied by a box of this type, which contained the official imperial seal. This box was created in 1749 and so must relate to an award under Tsarina Elisabeth, although Anne Odom has pointed out that such boxes were kept in stock and presented at need (see Russian Silver in America, p. 63).
The Hillwood Museum collection contains a similar box presented in 1751 to Captain Filat Anikiev, still attached to its original title of nobility (Museum ref. 57.1). The seal box is dated 1746 but the maker's mark is illegible so it is not certain that it was supplied by the same goldsmith as this box. The design also varies from the Royal Collection version around its sides, which in the Hillwood example are entirely plain. The feature of orbs, crowns and laurel swags seems to be unique to Kunkin.
Struck with city mark of Moscow (1749), assayer's mark of Anders Zaitsev, and maker's mark of Vasili Kunkin.Provenance
Probably acquired by King Edward VII and/or Queen Alexandra.
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Creator(s)
(silversmith)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Silver
Measurements
5.6 x 12.6 x 13.2 cm (whole object)
365.9 g (Weight) (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Place of Production
Moscow [Russia]