Cup and Saucer

Object NameCup and Saucer

Artist / Maker Mariya Vasiliyevna Semenova (Russian, life dates unknown, active 1896 - 1917)

Manufacturer Mariya Vasiliyevna Semenova (Russian, life dates unknown, active 1896 - 1917)

Date1896-1908

OriginRussia

MediumGilded silver and enamel

DimensionsCup: 3 1/16 × 2 × 3 1/16 in. (7.8 × 5.1 × 7.8 cm) Saucer: 3/4 × 4 1/2 in. (1.9 × 11.4 cm) diameter

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Metal

Credit LineGift of Ann and Henry Brunnier. In the Ann and Henry Brunnier Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object number4.14.6ab

Status

Not on view

Collections

Decorative Arts

CultureRussian

Label TextMaria Semenova was the daughter of Vasiley Semenov, an established silversmith. After his death she inherited his workshop and from 1896 to 1904 produced enamels, an endeavor new to the Semenova family. She employed as many as 100 workers, including silversmiths and enamelers. Her work was unique compared to her contemporaries and was considered to have a delicacy that was uncommon in most Old Russian enamels. The Semenova demitasse cup and saucer here are fine examples of her style, one more feminine and perhaps more influenced by Art Nouveau than the styles of others. This set exemplifies typical traits of Semenova’s work: pastel shades with a preference for lavender, painted polychromatically within each cell. Her elegant, feminine floral motifs are complemented by the application of granulation on the surface, and the turquoise border contrasts with and defines the softer floral motifs.

Markings84:silver standard; Kokoshnik faces left: dates 1896-1980; assayer's marks: undistinguishable; M. C. in lozenge: workmaster's marks Mariya Semenova

Locations