A highly collectible antique 18th century Russian parcel-gilt silver and niello box, the lid is nielloed with a harbourside view with a monogram on top, the base depicts a barn in a forest landscape. Engraved with a monogram DA under the lid. Hallmarked with an assay mark AT below the date 1788 and a Veliky Ustyug hallmark depicting a coat of arms in the form of a figure of a standing aquarius in an 18th century costume. The masters of Veliky Ustyug were among the first to start making silver items, which were soon recognized as one of the best. It is the Ustyugians who invented the famous nielloed silver, which many call “Northern black”. Empresses of the Russian Empire Catherine and Elizabeth admired such decorations. By their order, the masters of Veliky Ustyug made jewelry and dishes for Imperial palaces. Antique Russian Silver Works Of Art, Desktop Accessories, Home Decor And Collectibles.