A Nicholas II early 20^th century Russian 875 standard silver gilt gem set icon case, Moscow circa 1910 possibly by Kuzma Ivanovich Konov for P.I. Olovyanishnikova and Sons (active until 1917)

the hinged case formed as a cross, surmounted by Monomakh's Cap set with round cut clear stones, possibly quartz centred with round cut green stones possibly peridot, the base with two sections of three seed pearls upon belcher chains centred with a collet set cabochon sapphire flanked by two seed pearls. The hinge with two seed pearls. The main section with filigree overlaid work centred with the Vladimir Mother of God, flanked by John the Baptist and Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg, surmounted by three saints including Saint Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow, in base three figures (prophets?), glazed. Marked throughout with kokoshnik, obscured maker’s mark and retailer’s mark (Postnikova 767).

Length – 13.8 cm / 5.45 inches

Gross weight – 155 grams

Kuzma Ivanovich Konov from 1908 to 1917 headed the goldsmith's workshop at PI Olovyanishnikov in Moscow. This workshop then included eighty-six people (jewellers, enamellers, and engravers). The PI Olovyanishnikov house then dominated the production of liturgical objects and fabrics, and was particularly distinguished in the creation of icons.

An imperial triptych icon bearing the mark of Konov for Olovyanishnikova also using filigree overlaid surrounds for the saints is now in the collection of the Lourve (RFML.ABCO.2022.16.1)