- 245
A hardstone tazza, Imperial Lapidary Manufactory, Ekaterinburg, 1888
Description
- hardstone
- height 51cm, 20in.
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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
In 1885, at the age of thirty-six, Vasily Mostovenko became general manager of the Ekaterinburg Manufactory. At the time, the factory was in a dilapidated state with collapsed flooring and almost worn-through machines and tools. Under his tenure, which ended in 1911, Mostovenko sought to improve working conditions and simplify the production process. By introducing new stylistic elements and re-opening the school for drawing and modelling, the Ekaterinburg Factory soon became a symbol of national pride. At the 1900 Paris exhibition, the Russian stone-carving industry was represented by a magnificent square metre mosaic map of France for which Mostovenko was decorated with the Knight Commander Cross of the Legion of Honour.
For a pair of similar tazze, please see Sotheby's New York, 19 April 2012, lot 17.