An Enamel Cloisonné Egg on Stand

c. 1884

An enamel cloisonné egg on stand (Russian, c. 1884) by Pavel Ovchinnikov (Russian, 1830-1888). The egg is topped by a cabochon stone, the exterior is decorated in enamels in tones of red, blue, green, yellow, and white set in silver gilt. The top half is decorated with alternating red and white lobbed tear drop enamel reserves with floral motifs followed by a stylized scrolling foliate design. A spiral gadrooned rim separates the two halves. The bottom portion is decorated with a floral motif surrounding six round reserves depicting coat-of-arms shields against the Russian Imperial double eagles. The egg twists open to reveal a hollow gilt interior. The rim of the lower half is stamped with Paval Ovchinnikov’s maker’s mark, an unknown assay mark above the date 1884, and the quality mark “84” next to the Moscow city mark of St. George slaying the dragon. The egg is supported by a three legged stand that ends in hoof shaped feet.

Russian, Moscow

enamel

silver gilt

6" x 3.625" x 3.625"

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Galkin, 2002.

PSNC.10039a-c