A Fabergé silver rabbit-form ewer, Moscow, dated 1907

realistically modelled and chased, resting upright on her hind quarters, the head forming the lid hinged at the back of the neck, cabochon garnet eyes, gilt interior, the base engraved with initials GAP (Cyrillic) and dates 1882-XXV-1907, the underside of one foot engraved with initials AK, the other inscribed in Russian 'Don’t look for me, the rabbit; I left', struck K.Fabergé in Cyrillic beneath the Imperial Warrant, 84 standard

Very good condition, the tarnished surface would benefit from a professional clean. The hinge pin slightly out its sleeve, and the lid consequently very slightly ill-fitting. The figure's right eye very slightly loose in its fitting and the left eye with evidence of having recently been re-attached. The underside of the base with light scratches consistent with age and handling. Of good weight, well balanced and well cast.
"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."

Very few animal-form Fabergé silver ewers of this size were produced.  Other examples include a beaver by Julius Rappoport, formerly in the collection of Count Bobrinsky and now in the Hermitage collection (ERO-5001); a pig in the State Depository of Valuables (Gokhran), Moscow; a dachshund; and a pheasant, the latter two in private collections.  Two other rabbit-form ewers produced by the Moscow branch are known, one in the Lillian Thomas Pratt Collection at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond (no. 47.20.214), and another, dated 1894, sold, Christie's Geneva, 12 May 1980, lot 230.

The amusing engraved inscription 'Don’t look for me, the rabbit; I left' on the foot is the last line from a poteshka, a popular poem for children, called "Sits, Sits the Rabbit" in which cheeky grey and white rabbits evade hunters in pursuit.