A PARCEL-GILT SILVER IMPERIAL PRESENTATION KOVSH

A PARCEL-GILT SILVER IMPERIAL PRESENTATION KOVSH

PROBABLY MOSCOW, CIRCA 1685

Of traditional form with raised prow and handle, the bowl repoussé with a circular reserve centring an Imperial double-headed eagle with the orb and sceptre, the handle engraved with scrolling foliage, the exterior sides engraved with Old Russian dedication inscription \'By the Grace of God Great Lord Tsars and Great Princes Ioann Alekseevich and Petr Alekseevich of all Great, Little and White Russia, on 20 November 1685 presented this kovsh to Starorushenin Kalistrat Filimonov, for collecting customs duties whilst being a head of customs and a tavern in year 1683’, apparently unmarked

10¾ in. (27.3 cm.) wide

13 oz. (408 gr.)