OVTCHINNIKOV HOUSE. Beautiful 800°/°° silver triptych icon, - Lot 167

OVTCHINNIKOV HOUSE. Beautiful 800°/°° silver triptych icon, hallmarked 84 zolotnik, ogival in shape, with an engraved design of scattered pearls centered around a Greek cross flanked by smaller crosses. The triptych, which opens via a hinge, reveals, as its central scene, an icon of Christ Blessing painted in oil on metal, flanked on the right by Saint Tatiana and on the left by a Guardian Angel, also painted in oil on metal. The interior panels feature a finely embossed and chiseled decoration of interlaced foliage and Art Nouveau-inspired geometric motifs. On the reverse is an engraved dedication in Cyrillic that has been crossed out. Secured with a safety latch. Includes a hanging ring at the top. Crafted by the P. Ovtchinnikov Workshop, bearing the imperial privilege mark, Moscow, 1908–1917. Dimensions when open: H. 12.5 x W. 21.5 cm. Gross weight: 417 g. (Scratches on the triptych, minor paint chips). History: The Ovchinnikov silversmithing house was founded in 1851 in Moscow by Pavel Ovchinnikov (1830–1888). Along with Fabergé, it was one of the most important in Russia and, as early as 1865, was granted the title of official supplier to the imperial court. This distinction granted it the privilege of engraving the double-headed eagle of Russia on its creations. In 1873, he opened a branch in Saint Petersburg. Upon his death in 1888, his children took over the business until 1917. Expert: Mr. Edgar Clin