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Nicholas I period Russian malachite side table with gilt bronze base

Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Nicholas I period Russian malachite side table with gilt bronze base
Russian c. 1840
Height 77cm, diameter 89cm

This is a truly exceptional piece, representing some of the most extravagant craftsmanship of the early 19th Century in Russia. Following Russia's victory over Napoleon in 1812, there was a new mood in Russia, one of celebration and self-confidence. It was this mood which eventually found its way into the world of decorative arts, as innovative architects and makers were invited to design the palaces of Tsar Nicholas I. Malachite was one of the new materials which found favour among Russian designers, for its intense green colour and its preciousness. Indeed, in the later 1830s, the wife of Tsar Nicholas I, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, commissioned an entire room in St Petersburg's Winter Palace to be made entirely out of malachite. Consequently, many new lapidary workshops started to emerge in the early 19th Century, a majority of which worked to make beautiful, extravagant pieces in malachite using the new 'Russian mosaic' technique, which allowed malachite veneers to be applied to extremely large and exquisite pieces.

The 'Russian mosaic' veneering method has been used to stunning effect on the circular top of this table. It is supported by a cylindrical gilt bronze stem which has been mounted with grotesque masks and is set on a curved fluted tripod base on paw feet. The base also features further gilt bronze ornamentation, including leaves, egg and dart and s-scrolls.

More Information

Origin:	Russia
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Malachite, ormolu.
Creation Date:	1840
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	14019
Incollect Reference #:	497750

Dimensions

H.	30.31 in;	Diam.	35.04 in;
H.	77 cm;	Diam.	89 cm;

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.