This set of silver-gilt and cloisonné enamel teaspoons was made by Feodor Rückert, a renowned Russian craftsman who specialised in the production of enamel wares. Although his work was often retailed by Fabergé, he also sold pieces independently to clients and other firms. This set of teaspoons still bears a scratched inventory number of 25218. The reverse of each teaspoon bowl is decorated with stylised flower heads in polychrome enamels, and wirework coils on a cream and olive ground. Each handle is enamelled with blue ellipse trails on stippled ground, and terminates in a crown-shaped finial. The teaspoons are contained in their original fitted box by Fabergé, Rückert’s retailer.
Although Russian enamelling in the 19th century was heavily influenced by traditional styles, the turn of the 20th century brought about the Mir Isskustva (‘World of Art’ Movement), which promoted instead the combination of Russian folk ornament with contemporary European influence, most notably the Wiener Werkstätte or Jugendstil. This resulted in Stil Moderne, Russia’s response to Art Nouveau, characterised by muddier colours and geometric forms as seen in this design.
