- 439
A hardstone figure of a leveret, probably Fabergé or Cartier, circa 1905
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
- hardstone, sapphire
- height 3.6cm, 1 3/8 in.
carved of chalcedony, resting upright on her hind quarters, cabochon sapphire-set eyes
Provenance
By family repute, given by Gunnar Kassman to Alexandra Kollontai
Thence by descent until sold to the present owner
Condition
A finely carved and subtly modelled example in excellent 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."
"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
Alexandra Mikhailovna Kollontai (1872-1952) was a Communist and feminist revolutionary appointed Soviet ambassador to Norway in 1923, becoming the second female ambassador in the world. During her service as ambassador to Sweden (1930-1945), she was closely associated with the “red banker” Gunnar Kassman (1878-1970), who had provided financial assistance to Lenin and the Bolsheviks. She became a permanent guest at his summer residence, Villa Kassman, at Storholmen Island, Lidingö.
For comparison, please see the two Fabergé hares in the Royal Collection (RCIN 40069 and 40092), one carved of chalcedony and one of agate, and the Cartier box, a leveret with cabochon sapphire eyes atop the lid, illustrated, G. von Habsburg, Fabergé - Cartier. Rivalen am Zarenhof, Munich, 2003, no. 669, p. 346.