Ivan Saltykov

(1884 - 1917)

As is common with the Imperial Russian mid-level workshops not much is known about the silversmith Ivan Saltykov (in Russian Иван Салтыков). Nowadays his high-quality silverworks are much appreciated. His mark is sometimes mistaken for the mark of Ignaty Sazikov.

Saltykov’s workshop in Moscow became famous for his intricate filigree items in Pan-Slavic style. Decorative motifs were usually based on Russian folk traditions with the accent on floral ornaments.

The firm produced fine silver tableware, flatware, decorative objects and jewellery. His objects of vertu, such as snuff boxes, pillboxes, cigarette cases, jewellery cabinets are recognized by lavish cloisonne decoration with polychrome shaded enamel. Saltykov usually chose shades of blue, red, green, white and purple enamels in most of his creations.

The national version of Art Nouveau, the so-called Neo-Russian style, largely influenced Saltykov’s style. His works decorated with translucent plique-á-jour enamels look both intricate and weightless at the same time. Bright enamels shine in the rays of light as if they were encrusted with precious stones. Today, Saltykov’s works are present in the collections of most important national museums in Russia.