Vasilii Soloviev

Vasilii (or Vassili) Fedorovich Soloviev (hallmark BC in Cyrillic), mistakenly called for Vladimir Soloviev in foreign sources, was a prominent Russian silver- and goldsmith, one of the most talented Fabergé workmasters.

Vasilii Soloviev specialized in gold and enameling. As a Fabergé workmaster, he was the assistant of Philip Theodor Ringe, Livonian jeweler and goldsmith, head of a small workshop, where he mostly produced enameled pieces, such as seals, cufflinks, pencils and letter openers, Easter eggs and cigarette cases in silver and gold. After the death of Ringe in 1894, Soloviev together with his fellow workmaster Anders Mickelson ran the workshop as Ringe’s widow’s assistants until 1912, when they bought the business.

Guilloche enamels by Vasilii Soloviev are striking in their sophistication, amazing subtlety of application and distinctive style. Skillfully elaborated details, smart combination of traditional motives, folklore patterns and contemporary techniques put Soloviev’s stunning pieces in a line with the items of such renowned Fabergé workmasters as Michael Perkhin, Henrik Wigström, Oskar Woldemar Pihl and August Wilhelm Holmström.

Since so little is known about the life and career of the eminent craftsman, Soloviev’s entire artistic heritage is shrouded in mystery. There is therefore no surprise that his products are so popular to this day.