An Alexander III late 19^th century Russian 84 zolotnik silver tea caddy, Moscow 1885 by Alexander Sergeyev Yegorov (active 1868-97)

Of square form with a hinged arched lid. The sides finely engraved with chinoiserie style decoration depicting the stages of tea cultivation to table; one side showing the cutting of the tea plant, followed by the sale of a parcel of tea to a tea merchant, followed by the tea chests advertised for sale, and finally the tea brought to the table after libations have finished, each against a striated ground. Each panel reserved within strapwork borders and arabesque scrolls. The lid similarly decorated with arabesques, centred with a vacant erased circular cartouche. Gilt interior.

Assayer Victor Savinksy (active 1854-1894) makers mark AE (postnikova 2171). Also marked with later soviet era marks for Moscow 1927-58.

Height – 11 cm / 4.25 inches

Weight – 556 grams / 17.88 ozt