Pair of Russian cloisonné enamel perfume flasks

This exquisitely designed pair of scent bottles is a testament to masterful craftsmanship and exquisite cloisonné enamel in Imperial Russia. These twin treasures are crafted from silver gilt, their bell-shaped form offering a sense of classical grace that is functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. The shaped of each bottle is further complemented by a rounded lid that imbues the piece with an interesting and exotic flair.

These scent bottles are entirely adorned with cloisonné enamel technique, a painstakingly delicate process that results in a vibrant and enchanting decorative motif. Bathed in a rich palette of vivid blues, emerald green, salmon and navy, they are covered in an array of floral arabesques set against a stark white ground, creating a contrast that heightens their visual appeal. The arabesque's timeless elegance intertwines with the cloisonné technique's precision to create a floral dance. Amongst the arabesques, stylized floral motifs stand out including large symmetrical palmettes which adorn the bottle’s body, with smaller, simpler flower adorning the neck and lid in the same fashion.

Adding an extra layer of distinction, these bottles bear the unique marks that hint at their storied past First, the Zolotnik '84' standard silver mark is present, indicating the purity of the silver used in their construction. This mark is followed by the assayer's mark 'IS', acting as a seal of approval from the assayer who tested the silver. The 'ZI' mark, inscribed in the Cyrillic alphabet, indicates, perhaps the artisan's initials or the manufacturer's mark. Finally, the Moscow town mark signifies the city where these pieces were crafted, grounding them in a rich tradition of Russian enamel work.

These scent bottles are more than mere objects; they are  a celebration of artistic techniques passed down through generations that marked the history of decorative arts in the Russian Empire. The delicate design, the detailed markings, and the intriguing backstory come together to make this pair an impressive addition to any collection.