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Early Russian silver ewer and basin set by Lang

Creator: Henrik August Lang
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Early Russian silver ewer and basin set by Lang
Russian, 1838-9
Jug: Height 29cm, width 21cm, depth 15cm
Basin: Height 8cm, width 39cm, depth 29.5cm

Emerging from the early 19th Century Nicholas I era, this exceptional pair of a basin and ewer, is a testament to the skills of St. Petersburg silversmith, Henrik August Lang.

The set portrays a detailed and precise execution, characteristic of the Russian silversmithing pinnacle during Nicholas I's reign.

Fashioned in 1839, the ewer takes a bulbous form that weaves an elegant display of curves. It features a charming handle, which arcs gracefully, and a finely modelled spout. The handle is adorned with carved work embellishments, mimicking the design of a tree trunk, with its extremities blooming into carved leaf patterns that run along the body and spout. The body, with its curvilinear, vein-like design, shows Lang's expertise.

The basin, produced in 1838, mirrors the ewer's motifs and gracefully accommodates it with its ample size. The rim, decked with leaf carvings, forms a spectacular stage for the ewer.

Adding to the unique allure of these pieces is their association with Nicholls & Plincke, an esteemed silver retailer established by two Englishmen in St Petersburg in 1815. The firm gained prestige as the preferred supplier of silver to the Russian aristocracy and the Imperial court.

Renowned hallmarks grace both pieces, asserting their origins, silver purity, the identity of the creator, and the retailer. These early manifestations of Russian silver making capture the quintessence of the Nicholas I period, encompassing the splendour and majesty of the era, and the reverence accorded to exquisite artisanship.

While collectors and connoisseurs will find the set irresistible for its historical value, meticulous construction, and artistic prowess, it can also serve as stunning decorative piece, infusing an aura of luxury and refinement into diverse settings, from a chic drawing room to a formal dinner table.

Total weight of all pieces is approximately 3,325 grammes.

Artist/ Maker: Henrik August Lang
Materials: Silver

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	Russia
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Silver.
Creation Date:	1838-1839
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	9106
Incollect Reference #:	661848

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.