Cloisonné enamelled silver Russian Salt by 6th Artel

Cloisonné enamelled silver Russian Salt by 6th Artel
Russian, c. 1915
Height 3.5cm, diameter 6cm
 
A Salt is a decorative but perfectly functional salt cellar. During the early 20th century, Russian artisans used the form of the Salt, much like they did the Kovsh, as a means of demonstrating their technical skill. This Salt, which was crafted in about 1915 by the 6th Artel, is no exception, and is beautifully crafted from the finest materials.
 
This Salt is made of solid silver and is cylindrical in form. The external surface of the Salt is heavily enamelled using the cloisonné technique. The cloisons are formed into various abstract motifs and are infilled with beautifully coloured enamel. In addition to the enamelwork, the cloison wire is itself used decoratively, being used to form cone-like agglomerations at points on the surface. The silver structure of the Salt is also decorated, being engraved with linear forms below the rim and near the base.
 
The Salt is stamped beneath with ‘6A’, for the 6th Artel, and ‘88’, which signifies 91.66% silver.
 
Artist/Maker: 6th Artel