A RUSSIAN GILDED SILVER AND CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL STANDING SCENT FLASK, FEDOR RÜCKERT, MOSCOW, CIRCA 1890 |

of baluster form on spreading, circular foot, enameled with stylized, intensely-colored blossoms on an opaque white ground, the tapering neck within bands of geometric ornament, the slip-on cover with tent-form finial, 88 standard

this rare and unusual piece in overall excellent good condition; one tiny area of loss and repair (a small area of turquoise near neck)
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.

This impressive scent bottle is a rare example of the earliest production of enameler Fedor Ivanovich Rückert (1840-1918). The master established his own workshop no earlier than 1887, when mention first appears in city directories. This early example of his work is entirely in cloisonné, rather than shaded enamels for which he would later achieve acclaim. It demonstrates that Rückert had already developed a sophisticated and varied palette of enamel colors as well as the ability to combine rich, vivid hues and varying floral and geometric motifs on a three-dimensional surface in a manner both eye-catching and harmonious. It is no wonder that Fabergé, Ovchinnikov, Kurliukov and other prestigious jewelers of Imperial Russia would soon rely on his designs to satisfy the tastes of their sophisticated clientele.