An Exceptional Faberge Silver and Enamel Inkwell,

in the Russian Modern style influenced by medieval Russo-Byzantine art.

In the 1910s, the Moscow branch of the Faberge firm produced a number of silver objects with monochrome enamels decorated with medieval style ornaments.

This inkwell represents one of the best Faberge objects of that kind.

The body of this large inkwell is supported by four silver lions mounted on a circular marble base.

The lid is designed to resemble traditional onion-shaped domes of Russian churches.

Faberge desktop items of this size are rare and they were very expensive in Faberge price lists of the period.

Height – 8 1/4 in. (20,5 cm).

Weight without marble base – 601 grams.

Diameter of the base – 5 3/4 in. (14,8 cm).

The ink well is decorated with elaborate medieval floral designs on a matte black enamel ground.

Marked under base with 1908-1917 Moscow assay mark for 84 zolotnik silver standard (875 silver) and К. ФАБЕРЖЕ (for Carl Faberge) beneath Imperial warrant (double headed eagle).

Marked inside the lid with Imperial warrant, К. ФАБЕРЖЕ and Moscow assay stamp.