A copper and enamel icon of St. Vladimir, Usolsk, possibly 19th century in 17th century style

the borders and two sides applied with finely painted varicoloured enamel plaques in the form of tulips and poppies, the blue enamel rim bordered with scrolling motifs and set at each corner with trefoil ornament

The copper frame is bowed inwards. Several plaques are quite loose. Three small enamel plaques are missing. There are losses to the enamel especially to two of the trefoil ornaments and small chips to the enamel plaques elsewhere. There is loss to the enamel to the top left edge of the central plaque and a few cracks radiating from it.
"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 technique of cloisonné enamel was known to have been employed in the Kievan Rus back in the 11^th century. It was referred to as finift, which is the Old Greek for alloy or shining stone. The offered lot is executed in the manner of Solvychegorsk enamels of the 17^th -early 18^th century. Solvychegorsk was founded in the 14^th century on the shores of the Lake Solyanoe. Due to its favourable positioning on the main trade route between Archangel and Moscow, it soon became a big commercial, handicraft and cultural hub of Northern Russia. It was especially famous for its enamel industry, characterised by use of yellow, green and blue enamels and decoration consisting of flowerheads.

Saint Vladimir Svyatoslavich the Great (c. 958 - 15 July 1015) was the grand prince of Kiev who converted to Christianity in 988, and proceeded to baptise the whole Kievan Rus.