Kovsh (ladle)
Moscow, 1660
Silver, partially gilt, engraving, forging
11,7x28,3x17,5 cm
State Historical Museum, Moscow

Kovsh is one of ancient kinds of Russian utensils for liquids. Precious ladles are known according to testaments of Great Princes of the 14th century. First ladles from gold and silver were made in Novgorod. The ladle served for tasting "medovukha" — a light alcohol drink based on fermentated honey. Unlike the especially well-turned ladles, in the form of "ladya" made in Novgorod this ladle is a sample of Moscow work. Its features are the following: wide walls, well-rounded base, and bent handle. In the 17th century ladles were frequently given as an award for merits before Tsar and State, a decoration including Russian arms — a Double-Headed Eagle and an inscription enumerating the merits testifies it. Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich presented this ladle to Mikhail Plotnikov, citizen of Serpukhov for collecting taxes for the benefit of state treasury with pothouses. State monopoly on spirits sale was major profitable clause of Russian budget in the 17th century.

Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich Romanov ruled from 1645 to 1676, he was father of Tsar Feodor Alexeevich and Emperor Peter the Great.