A Large Russian Silver and Champlevé Enamel Bread and Salt Plate, Khlebnikov, Moscow, 1893

the wide border set with shield-shaped cartouches at intervals, the remaining border enameled with strapwork and Neo-Byzantine ornament in red, blue, white, green, and black, the center applied with a shaped circular design with stylized flowerheads on eight domes within borders of light blue strapwork. diameter 62.2 cm. Est. 70,000—90,000 USD

NOTE: The magnificent decoration on this piece undoubtedly leads to the conclusion that it was intended as an important presentation object. Pieces such as this were often presented to the Tsar and other members of the Imperial on significant occasions. It is of unusually heavy weight and clearly intended for some important personage.

Sotheby's. Russian Art. 22 Apr 09. New York www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's