A glass beaker, 19th century

enriched with silver and gilt decoration, applied with a transfer print depicting Nicholas I flanked by martial trophies

There is some wear to the gilding, especially to the rim. There is further wear to the portrait consistent with age.
"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."

Most works produced at the Imperial Glassworks were decorated in styles and techniques that were very similar to the one used in Europe, which makes it more difficult to identify them today. However, coloured glass objects decorated by means of black and white transfer printing in the early 1840s can definitely be established as Russian. In 1839 the artists Konstantin Terebenev and Pavel Semechkin invented a new method of printing on glass which differed significantly from that of English manufacturers. During the first half of 1840 Terebenev and Semechkin worked at the Imperial Glassworks producing pieces transfer printed with images of Nicholas I and Alexandra Fedorovna based on well-known portrait by Franz Kruger and Christina Robertson. After a brief period of collaboration with the Imperial Glassworks Terebenev and Semechkin decided to establish their own workshop, Terebenev & Co. For about a decade they decorated objects purchased from various Russian glasshouses with their transfer printing process.