Enameled Glass Vodka Set Designed by Elisabeth Boehm, Dyatkovo Crystal Works, 1897
Russia: Maltsov Glass Factory, 1897. Item #786
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A scarce enameled glass vodka set designed by the Russian artist Elisabeth Boehm. The set includes a decanter and ten shot glasses. The decanter is of traditional rectangular shtof form, and each piece in the set is made of green glass with hand-painted black and orange enamel designs. The designs on the glassware feature playful little devils and a humorous imaginary conversation between the drinker and the glasses. The decanter comes with an original stopper covered in red enamel, resembling a wax seal. There is a signature and date along the bottom edge of the front panel of the shtof.
The dimensions of the decanter with the stopper are 24 cm (9 1/2 in.), while the height of the glasses is 8 cm (3 1/8 in.). In terms of condition, the set is in good overall condition, with minor scratches on the bottom of the shot glasses and the bottle. There are some minuscule chips on the bottle's lower edge, but no other significant issues to report.
An incomplete set of one decanter and two glasses can be found in the permanent collection of the Hillwood Museum in Washington DC, with accession number 23.497-1-4.
Elisabeth Boehm (Elizaveta Bem or Böhm), although primarily known as a postcard painter in the 19th century, was also recognized for her experimentation with designs for glass and ceramics. The artist was born in Saint Petersburg to a noble Russian family of Endaurov. Her innovative work in this area earned her a medal at the 1893 World Fair in Chicago. Consequently, the Maltsov glass factory sought her out to design a series of pieces based on the Russian Revival style, which incorporated pre-Petrine forms, as showcased in this exceptional set.
Yury Stepanovich Nechaev-Maltsov (1834–1913) was a renowned 19th-century figure known for his success as a glassware manufacturer, significant landowner, and generous patron of the arts. His glass factories in Gus-Khrustalny produced a wide range of sought-after glass products, and he owned shops in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Nechaev-Maltsov was also a major donor to the Pushkin Museum, contributing significantly to the preservation and promotion of Russian art and culture. His multifaceted contributions left a lasting impact on business, culture, and philanthropy in 19th-century Russia.
Price: $10,000.00