[PANSLAVISM - SILVER] Silver Tray / Bread Basket “Trompe-l’œil” (“Deception of the Eye”)—Moscow, 1896 (Tableware)

Tsarist Russia – Silver Tray / “Trompe-l’œil” Bread Basket – Moscow, 1896
Moscow, 1896
84-fine silver, repoussé, chasing, engraving
Silversmith: probably Pyotr Petrov
Dimensions: 35 × 24 cm
Weight: 625 g
An original, large silver bread tray, made in Moscow in 1896. The piece is executed in the striking trompe-l’œil style—“deception of the eye”—in which silver imitates objects made of other materials.
The tray takes the form of an oval, woven basket. The sides have been precisely crafted to resemble intertwining strips of wicker, while the openwork rim consists of a series of overlapping arches. The rim is accented with a twisted cord motif. Two large handles made of spirally twisted silver rods are placed on the sides.
The interior of the basket is filled with an illusionistically depicted, loosely draped tablecloth. Its folds, tucked corners, and long tassels are modeled in high relief. The surface of the “fabric” is covered with engraved floral ornaments, arabesques, and decorative bands. The variety of textures—braids, cords, soft folds, and fringes—attests to the high quality of craftsmanship.
The tray rests on four openwork legs formed from bent silver wire.
The object bears Moscow hallmark marks dated 1896 and the 84 goldsmith’s mark, corresponding to 875/1000 silver. The partially legible maker’s mark can be cautiously attributed to silversmith Piotr Pietrov. A later Polish supplementary hallmark, used between 1963 and 1986, is also visible.
Condition: as shown in the photo.