A silver, enamel and gem-set nephrite tazza, probably retailed by Khlebnikov, St Petersburg, circa 1890

the shallow oval basin mounted with a silver foliate frieze applied at intervals with vari-coloured enamel scallop motifs further decorated with leaves and set with gems, flanked by similarly decorated scroll handles, the finely carved flared foot mounted on a Pan-Slavic inspired base and circular bun feet, 88 standard

By tradition presented to Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace by Tsar Nicholas II in 1909
Thence by descent to the current owner

The nephrite appears to be in very good condition. There is a small chip to one of the beads on one handle. One white enamel bead in missing to one of the motifs. Further very minor losses to the enamel in places. This is impressively carved from one piece of nephrite and is in very good 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."

The original owner of this fine nephrite tazza Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace (1841-1919) was born in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. In 1870 he embarked on a five-year tour of Russia, and in 1877 published an acclaimed, two-volume account of the country, Russia, which was printed in several editions and remains a key source for historians of the late Tsarist period. Mackenzie Wallace served as foreign correspondent for the Times Newspaper in St. Petersburg in 1877-1878.  In 1884, when serving as private secretary to the British Viceroy of India, he was appointed political officer for Tsar Nicholas II during his tour of India and Ceylon. Mackenzie Wallace maintained close links with the Imperial Family and it is documented that in 1906-1907 he had several audiences with the Tsar, acting as personal emissary of Edward VII of England to promote the policy of Ango-Russian amity. When the Tsar visited England in 1909, Mackenzie Wallace was selected once more to accompany him. According to family tradition it was during this visit that he was presented with the tazza as a mark of the Tsar's gratitude and affection.

Orphaned as a child, Sir Donald was taken into the family of Sir Joseph Noel Paton, Queen Victoria's official painter in Scotland. Before his death Sir Donald presented the tazza to his adoptive brother, Ranald Noel-Paton from whom it has passed down through the family to the present owner.