A SILVER-GILT AND CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL PEACOCK-FORM KOVSH, OVCHINNIKOV, MOSCOW, 1908-1917 |

elaborately enamelled with shaded polychrome feathers and foliage on raised surfaces, the prow with pierced crest, struck with maker's mark beneath the Imperial Warrant, 84 standard 

With a handful on minor enamel chips, not to the metal and minor spots of restoration. The interior tarnished.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This pair of bird-form kovshi (lots 416 and 417) presented together perfectly illustrates the remarkable quality of enamelwork produced by Ovchinnikov workshops in the early 20^th century. Both pieces embody in their form the traditional Russian ‘utitsa-’ (duck-) shaped kovshes. A traditional drinking vessel used since medieval times, kovshi vary in size and shape. Originally carved of wood and decorated with painting and carving, their handles would often be shaped as heads of birds and animals. Around the 17th century, kovshi start to appear more frequently in silver and gold and their function becomes more ceremonial, with the objects often used as presentation gifts at the Russian court. The late 19^th century revival of interest in traditional Russian style sparked a renewal of their popularity and kovshes became widely used as gifts and souvenirs. 

The Ovchinnikov firm was one of the first ones to reinvigorate enamelwork traditions and produced some of the most outstanding pieces of the period. Masterfully using vivid colours within cloisonné and filigree, the firm was renowned in both domestic and international markets. The soft pastel palette of the present lots is characteristic of the firm and the intricate application of shaded enamel in imitation of bird feathers is characteristic of the excellent quality of the works produced by Ovchinnikov.