A Russian Porcelain Service, Kornilov Brothers Manufactory, St. Petersburg, circa 1900

comprising: a bowl, four small kovshi, two medium kovshi, eleven lunch plates, eleven dessert plates, nine cups and ten saucers; the kovshi and bowl with double-headed eagle against a colored ground, with strapwork design on the handles of the kovshi and along their border; one kovsh with Russian proverb in Old Church Slavonic vyaz script that translates as, "You must eat what is at the table and listen to the master of the house," the other kovsh similary decorated with proverb that translates as "The soul is kinder than the kovsh. You must live without being stingy and enjoy your life with your friends."  48 pieces.

Christie's New York, October 18, 1994, lot 529, illustrated

overall good condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Ivan Galnbek (1855-1934), an architect and art historian who provided occasional designs for the firm of Fabergé, designed many of the historically inspired forms of the cups, bowls, and kovshi in this service. Although best known for the delightful bear- and horse-shaped handles on Kornilov porcelains, Galnbek designed numerous forms for the manufactory, many of which demonstrate his vast knowledge of Russian art and often drew on the forms of traditional Russian metalwork. On Kornilov Brothers porcelain and Ivan Galnbek, see T. Kudriavtseva, "Ivan Gal'nbek i russkii stil' v kornilovskom farfore," Pinakoteka 10-11, pp. 115-121. For a similar design, see T. Kudriavtseva, Farfor bratyev Kornilovykh, St. Petersburg, 2003, p. 126.