Silver-gilt mounted red jasper miniature balalaika

Known as a balalaika, a traditional Russian stringed instrument, this unusual and beautiful piece is crafted from red jasper and silver—the silver extensively gilt throughout.

The front face of the body is inset with a piece of veined red jasper, which is mounted with an exceptionally ornate silver-gilt bridge: the bridge composed of beautiful scrolling foliate and floral motifs. The reverse of the bowl-shaped body features raised ribs and geometrical, foliate decorative tracery, all accented by gilding above the stippled silver ground. The neck of the balalaika, which is also formed from silver-gilt, terminates in a silver-gilt headstock, the front face of which is accented with geometrical motifs.

The balalaika is raised on a support comprised of a red jasper base, the corners canted and chamfered, and a wonderfully scrolled and pierced silver-gilt stand.

The reverse of the neck is stamped with ‘800’, which signifies 80% silver, as well as an indistinct maker’s mark.