[SILVER] 19th c. Tsarist Russia Basket/Glass Protective Holder

A small vessel of cylindrical form, slightly widening towards the top, set on a well-defined, profiled foot. The body is decorated with an engraved ornament - a centrally placed cartouche of shield shape, flanked by stylized plant motifs of symmetrical arrangement. The upper edge is finished with a decorative serrated (arcaded) frieze with geometric and star motifs. Below runs a narrow ornamental band with a rhythmic arrangement of rhombuses.
The surface of the vessel bears traces of use: rubbing, minor scratches and natural patina of silver of varying tones. The handle is massive, rectangular in form, slightly curved, attached to the body with riveting. The interior is smooth, without decoration. On the underside one can see the test points and the maker's mark "B.C." along with the date 1887.
Silver, sample 84, weight 111, 91 g.
Size 6,5 x 6,8 cm.
Condition as in the photos.
The presented basket is an example of a classic Russian podstakannik - an everyday object, which in the 19th century gained the status of an artistic product. In the culture of the Russian Empire it served both a practical function (holder for hot glasses) and a representative one, being an element of elegant tableware.
The use of sterling silver corresponds to the standard of the tsarist probationary system and testifies to the high quality of the material. The ornamentation, combining geometric motifs with elements of stylized floral decoration, is in keeping with the aesthetics of historicism, characteristic of the reign of Alexander III, when national and traditional forms were readily used.
The preserved workshop punches and the date allow to precisely place the object in the time and context of jewelry production of the Russian Empire. This object, despite its utilitarian nature, represents a high level of artistic craftsmanship and remains a valuable testimony to the material culture of the era.