19th Century Russian Ormolu "Dancing Bear" Sculpture

Early 19th century Diminutive French Bronze of a Seated 'Coiffed' Poodle France, Possibly late 18th century/ early 19th century The early 19th century French bronze of a seated 'C...

Highly Detailed Russian Silver, Soviet Period Persian Cat Sculpture with Garnet Eyes, 88 Zolotnik, Marked "S.W.," Circa 1950s A finely modeled and intricately chased hollow silver sculpture of a long-haired domestic cat, likely modeled after the Persian or Himalayan breed. The animal is depicted in a seated posture, with a stylized curling tail and attentive expression, rendered with lifelike depth and emotional presence. The rich fur texture is deeply chased and subtly polished across high points, creating dramatic surface contrast and a tactile, almost lifelike softness. The sculpture’s meticulous hand-chasing, naturalistic pose, and jewel-like eyes reflect the enduring influence of Karl Fabergé’s animalier tradition, particularly the small-scale silver and hardstone animal studies produced in his Moscow workshops at the turn of the 20th century. Like Fabergé’s celebrated menagerie, this piece captures both the anatomical accuracy and the spirited personality of its subject, elevating it from a decorative object to a work of art imbued with character and luxury. The figure's eyes are set with smooth red cabochon stones—likely garnets or finely colored glass paste—enhancing its realistic gaze. The underside bears a Russian silver hallmark, including the “88” zolotnik standard (equivalent to .916 silver purity), along with the Latin-letter maker’s mark “S.W.,” attributed to a postwar Soviet-era workshop producing fine export silver. Although the piece appears solid at first glance, it is finely executed as a sealed hollow-form casting using the lost-wax method, a traditional sculptural technique that allowed for rich surface modeling while minimizing weight. A faint rattle can be heard when the figure is gently moved, caused by a small remnant from the casting core or finishing process—a common occurrence in Russian and Continental silver animal figures...

Antique 19th Century rare Imperial Russian solid silver statue depicting a bear sitting and Hogging a tree stump, heavy cast and engraved to the last detail. Hallmarked Russian Silver 84 (875 standard), St Petersburg, Maker Alexander Lokin. This rare find is an amazing example of Russian imperial silver works, mostly made for Royalty in Russia or exporting to other wealthy families and individuals in all of Europe. The base of this silver bear is hand carved from a massive single piece of green onyx, shaped as A Boulder. Great desk ornament or an amazing addition to any important antique silver Collection Measurements : Height : 5.9 inch / 15 cm Width : 4.8 inch / 12 cm Condition : Perfect condition to its age, no brakes, no restorations, Some minor scratches and age related wear. Russian lapidary work (of the onyx base) : The hand carved green onyx base of this sculpture is designed as A naturalistic but also Modernistic boulder, with its smooth lines its a perfect example of The late 19th century Lapidary works made in Russia. during the second half of the 19th Century, demand grew For copies of the many treasures admired by visitors on the Northern Grand Tour, which Included Russia. So shops and Galleries sprung up on the Nevsky Prospect, St Petersburg, to serve these new and wealthy visiting customers. At The same time an Influx of Italian craftsmen brought with them new skills and techniques Which they used To maximise the beauty of these hardstone objects...

A fine, antique cabinet sized sculpture of a bear. In gilt bronze. Modeled naively with the bear standing on all four feet, ears alert, and ...