Andrei Bragin

(1852 - 1908)

Andrei Bragin (in Russian Андрей Степанович Брагин) was one of the most respected and accomplished silversmiths in Saint-Petersburg at the turn of the century. He finished his apprenticeship in 1852 and opened his own workshop in 1888. 

By 1897, the firm was employing 25 craftsmen and its annual turnover amounted to 7600 rubles. In comparison, Faberge's firm employed 204 craftsmen and had 164 000 rubles of annual turnover. Although the Bragin's workshop was relatively small, its silver pieces were highly valued for their excellent quality and fine design.

The firm produced a wide range of silver, such as tableware, flatware, decorative objects, objects of vertu and samovars. Influenced by the fashion and tastes of the elite of that time, the majority of Bragin's works were made in the Modern style forms and were richly decorated with Pan-Slavic, floral and natural motifs.

He especially became famous for the exquisite tea pieces with champlevè enamels. The design imitated peasant embroidery, depicting traditional Russian folk symbols and scenes. The enamels usually were finely inlaid on a silver engraved plaque.

Bragin's firm regularly participated in All-Russian and International Exhibitions in Brussels and Saint-Petersburg in 1897 and 1903 respectively. Today his works are exhibited in several Russian national museums and countless private collections.