[SILVER] 19th c. Tsarist Russia Basket/Glass Protective Holder

A small, cylindrical basket with solid walls, made of silver. The body is decorated with rich, engraved geometric-architectural ornamentation, including strips of stylized arcade motifs and repetitive ornamental forms. The top edge is finished with a characteristic wavy molding forming a rhythmic arrangement of semicircular cutouts. The surface of the vessel is covered with a fine guilloche texture, contrasting with smooth and decorative parts. The bottom is flat, with visible puncta. The whole piece is maintained in tones of naturally patinated silver, with visible traces of use, rubbing and minor scratches.
Sterling silver, sample 84,
Size 7 x 8 cm, weight 149, 62 g.
Condition as shown in the photos.
Silver baskets of this type were part of tableware in the bourgeois and aristocratic culture of the Russian Empire in the second half of the 19th century. They were used as holders for glasses (so-called podstakanniki). The piece on display, thanks to its full form and rich engraved decoration, is part of the trend of products of a higher artistic standard, characteristic of the developed jewelry craft of the era.
The use of sample 84 corresponds to the Russian system of silver measurements and confirms the high bullion content. The workshop signatures (A.K. and AF in Cyrillic) together with the date indicate production in a solid goldsmithing center, where functionality was combined with decorativeness inspired by historicism and national styling. The object is an interesting example of applied silver art, reflecting the aesthetics and standard of living of the wealthy inhabitants of the Russian Empire of the late 19th century.