An impressive silver and cloisonné enamel casket, Khlebnikov, Moscow, late 19th century

of teremok form, the ebony carcass applied with finely cast and chased silver and vari-coloured enamel mounts set with amethysts, the domed lid with enamelled inscription in Cyrillic L'vu Gerasimovichu Knoop from Russian factory workers, the front panel applied with two handles similarly decorated in turquoise, blue and red cloisonné enamel, mounted on an ebony rectangular stand engraved with scrolling Pan-Slavic borders and mounted with similar silver and silver and enamel strapwork, the stand inset with a silver band inscribed in Cyrillic executed after a design by Professor R.A. Gedike at the I.P. Khlebnikov factory in Moscow, carving by G.I. Shroder in St Petersburg

The piece is highly unusual and rare and is in overall excellent condition following recent restoration. For a full treatment report, please contact the department. Stand: there are slightly raised cracks on wooden panels consistent with age. Casket: there is a chip and very minor loss to the enamel along the joins on the rims, which does not detract from the overall appearance of the piece. The decoration on the top is missing. Three of the gems appear to be slightly cracked.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This magnificent silver and gem-set treasure-chest is an indicator of the great philanthropy of Russia's first textile magnate. A presentation piece of this grandeur was typically presented by the Imperial Family, Russian nobility and wealthy merchants as diplomatic gifts to their equals. However in this case unnamed factory workers dedicated the treasure-chest to their benefactor, Lev Gerasimovich Knoop, (1821-1894).

Knoop was born in relative poverty in Bremen, Germany, he learnt his trade in his uncle's manufactory in England, but it was in Russia that he made his fortune. He arrived in Russia as a representative of his uncle's company: Jersey & Co to sell imported English woven cloth.   The textile market was undeveloped in Russia where they did not have the relevant machines for cotton spinning and weaving. Knoop rapidly became aware of this opportunity and set up a company to give loans to Russian entrepreneurs to set up textile works, and he imported machines for weaving, dying and printing textiles.  In addition he provided technical expertise and specialised workers. He was involved in the founding of 200 textile works. Soon it was said about him: "There is no church without the Pope and no textile works without Knoop." 

In the middle of 1850s he acquired the Isle of Krenholm off the coast of Estonia and set up the largest cotton spinning works of the time, employing more than 10,000 employees. It is not clear whether these were the workers who presented this extraordinary treasure chest and the inscription merely states: L'vu Gerasimovichu Knoop from Russian factory workers, but we know that it has been documented that in this venture, as with all his companies he later established, he provided for his workers: healthcare, childcare, schooling and housing. In 1877 the Tsar made him a Russian baron.

The treasure chest was constructed with the aid of several artisans, who unusually are documented on the piece. A silver band inset into the wood carving explains that the silver work was 'executed after a design by Professor R.A. Gedike at the Khlebnikov factory in Moscow, [the wood] carving by G. I. Shroder in St Petersburg'.  The Khlebnikov silver factory was one of the finest in Russia at the time, rivalled perhaps only by Fabergé and Ovchinnikov in their mastery of cloisonné enamel. This technique regained popularity at the end of the 19^th century fuelled in part by the ever growing and prosperous merchant class in Moscow who were conscious of their Russian heritage. They encouraged silversmiths to replicate the designs and shapes popular in the 17^th century including bratina, kovsh, and caskets, such as this one, of teremok form. It is perhaps unsurprising that the workers would have chosen a Pan-Slavic inspired work of art to present to Lev Gerasimovich Knoop, in recognition of his contributions to Russian industry.