These teaspoons were made by the celebrated Russian workmaster Feodor Rückert. Renowned for his bold designs and skill in shaded enamelling, Rückert ran an independent workshop in Moscow and sold his work through larger firms such as Fabergé and Ovchinnikov.
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 demonstrated on these teaspoons.
