This exceptional Russian cloisonné and enamel tea set is the work of Pavel Akimovich Ovchinnikov. One of Russia’s most skilled enamel artisans, Ovchinnikov is credited with marrying the champlevé, cloisonné and plique-à-jour enameling techniques with Russian national style.

The stunning six-piece set includes a teapot, sugar creamer, tea strainer, sugar tongs and tea scoop. Each of the silver items features elaborate cloisonné designs of geometrically arranged foliage in brilliant opaque colors. Cloisonné is the technique of creating designs on metal vessels with colored-glass paste placed within enclosures made of copper or bronze wires, which have been bent or hammered into the desired pattern. Known as cloisons (French for “partitions”), the enclosures are then either pasted or soldered onto a metal body and filled with beautiful colored enamels. Once complete, the items are fired to create a dazzling visual effect. In this elaborate set, deep blue and baby blue enamel flowers contrast with scrolling lime green designs and ruby red accents. Each of the delightful items rests in a bespoke lined box. 

The factory of Pavel Akimovich Ovchinnikov ranked among the most important jewelers and goldsmiths in Russia, second only to Fabergé. In 1865, the company was elevated to the rank of ‘Supplier to the Imperial Court’. In 1872, the company was awarded the title ‘Supplier to the Court of His Imperial Majesty’, and the factory was able to stamp its products with the coat of arms of the Russian Empire.

Ovchinnikov's work was widely celebrated and his firm gained popularity amongst European royalty including Vittorio Emmanuele II of Italy and Christian IX of Denmark. Upon Ovchinnikov’s death in 1888, his sons Alexander, Nikolai, Pavel and Mikhail took over his workshop and continued to work until the Russian Revolution.

Today, Ovchinnikov's work remains highly coveted by collectors and museums alike. Comparable cloisonné items by Ovchinnikov are represented in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and also in the esteemed international Khalili Collections.

Marked Ovchinnikov in Cyrillic with 84 standard mark and Imperial seal

Circa 1872-1888

Box: 5" high x 17 1/4" wide x 12 1/4" deep
Teapot: 4 1/4" high x 6 1/2" wide x 3 1/2" deep
Sugar: 4 3/8" high x 5 1/2" wide x 3 3/4" deep
Creamer: 3 3/8" high x 4 7/8" wide x 3" deep
Tea strainer: 6 7/8" high x 2 1/4" wide x 3/4" deep
Sugar Tongs: 5 5/8" high x 1 1/8" wide
Tea scoop: 4 1/2" high x 1 3/8" deep