An antique 19th century Russian silver trompe Ioeil tea cup holder or large handle cup chased and engraved to represent a wicker basket design. Hallmarked on underside and handle with an 84 Russian silver standard, crossed anchors for St. Petersburg, and the makers Cyrillic initials VI, possibly for Ivanov Vasily Ivanovich, owner of a silverware factory founded in 1870. The masters wares are kept in the collection of the State Historical Museum in Moscow. Features a gold wash interior. Weight 68 gm.