Caviar bowl on jade "Rusalki" Zlatoust

A jade caviar bowl with a crystal bowl and figurines of mermaids is an object born at the junction of jewelry, decorative sculpture and rare utensils. A faceted crystal bowl encased in a gilded metal rim stands on a dark plate of polished jade with a deep green iridescence. The lid is decorated with monogram engraving and is finished with a hand-carved jade insert set in gilded brass. Each element of the object has been worked out with museum care, each line is the result of hours of work on form and symmetry.

The compositional center of the base is accentuated by three female figures with fish tails, embodying images of mermaids, as if they had emerged from northern legends. The bodies are cast from brass, partially covered with silver and gilding, which creates a play of light and contrast between the surfaces. Around a jade cabochon encased in a carved frame, the mermaids are lined up in a three-pronged allegory of seduction, dreams and mystery. The poses are full of theatrical expressiveness: slight boredom, dreamy reverie, frozen expectation.

This item is aimed at collectors who are able to recognize things outside of time. It will decorate a table in a house where handmade work, rare materials and the meaning inherent in the form are appreciated. Its purpose is to emphasize the taste and character of the owner, who does not need loud logos and demonstrations, but chooses only the exceptional.