A PARCEL-GILT SILVER PRESENTATION KOVSH, 1703 |

the centre repoussé and chased with the double-headed Imperial eagle enclosing a portrait of Peter I, the sides with presentation inscription in Russian 'from the Tsar to Peter Rodionov, citizen of Ustyug and son of Khudakov, for services in tax collection', the handle dated 28 April 1703, specially indicated as the year from the birth of Christ, in reference to the Tsar's recent reform of the dating system

Overall good condition; with only minor surface wear and scratches consistent with age. The finial and the handle with old repairs. The central panel possibly added or re-attached later.
"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."

The kovsh is a one-handled Russian ladle or drinking vessel that can be traced back to 10th century Rus. In this period, kovshi were usually simple wooden dippers used to drink traditional Russian beverages such as braga, mead, and kvass. Even the very earliest and simplest kovshi showed decorative creativity: the wood was often carved into the shape of a bird or a ship, with the pointed beak and bow serving as handles, and the tail and stern as spouts. This tradition of turning a simple kovsh into an ornamental piece of art would carry through right until the present day. Around the middle of the 14th century, when the word ‘kovsh’ was coined to label these drinking instruments, Novgorod craftsmen began to fashion kovshi from metal, mainly silver and gold. Kovshi came in various sizes and various levels of distinction. Piti, the smaller kovshi, were given to guests as individual glasses, whereas vynosnye kovshi were shared between dining companions given their larger size. Smaller kovshi were often hooked onto the side of larger ones for presentational purposes. White mead was traditionally drunk from silver kovshi, and red mead from gold ones.

By the 17th century, kovshi started to become less functional and more ornamental; the bowls were now highly elaborate and stylized, and used increasingly by the Tsar as gifts to devoted supporters of the empire. Presentation gifts have existed since early history. In Russia, service was rewarded in a variety of ways, from golden coins and pieces of valuable fabrics to the proverbial fur coat bestowed from the Tsar’s shoulder. However, the 17th century sees the kovsh take first place as the presentation gift of choice. In the early decades of the century, presentation kovshi were gifted to merchants and tradesfolk for their contributions to the Treasury. The size and weight of the kovsh would directly correlate with the funds collected and delivered to the Tsar. Later in the century, the criteria broaden, and kovshi become awarded predominantly ‘for service’, as a mark of esteem for one’s loyalty and achievements.

At this time, the Moscow workshops develop their own style of kovsh: shallow, wide, with a flat base. Gifted kovshi would often feature an inscription of the recipient’s name among their decoration, along with the royal crest, a double-headed eagle and a date. A presentation kovsh would be proudly displayed in the owner’s home and would be passed down generations to honour and remember the accomplishments of one’s forefathers.

While the kovsh continued to be a court favourite for presentation gifts until the end of the Russian Empire, these rare early designs are at the root of the century-old tradition. The old traditional shapes and the eternal appeal of the silver and gold surfaces evoke images of the grandeur and fairytale-like glamour of the last days of old boyar Russia. Consisting almost exclusively of early presentation kovshi, the Rostropovich-Vishnevskaya collection of kovshi presents a unique opportunity to see such a distinguished group together, offering a small window into the world that helped build the romantic image of Russia for centuries to come.