Important Russian Enamel Cigarette Case, "The White Swan", Prior to 1908. Spectacular Craftsman and Artistry. Stunning Russian enamel cigarette case with breathtaking artistry and detail in every flower and in the feathers of the white swan. The case is painted the same on the recto and verso.

The character of the "White Swan" appears in Russian folklore and poetry that transform into beautiful maidens. In Slavic mythology, swans were treated as sacred birds and it was forbidden to kill them. The beauty and graciousness of these birds gave rise to legends about swan maidens. Swan maidens were supposed to be elegant, mystical creatures that rule the roost of nature.

Case is hallmarked 84 Zolotnik with woman facing left, this an assayers mark of a woman wearing a scarf or traditional kokoshnik. Woman facing left indicates case made prior to 1908. The case is in excellent condition. We note only three very tiny chips to the enamel visible only with a loop. 142 grams total gross weight