A Russian fruitwood, walnut, ebonised and parcel-gilt console table including transfers of lithographs after Victor-Jean Adam (1801-1866) second quarter 19th century

the rectangular banded top above a frieze drawer depicting hunting scenes and carriages with similarly decorated sides, on ebonised square tapering legs terminating in parcel-gilded and ebonised paw feet

Old marks, chips and scratches and some deep scratches to the top as visible from photograph, which have been touched up in places and some very minor losses generally. There are also some scattered chips to the veneer, which can easily be restored.There is a crack at the front left corner, leaving a gap between the panel and the border due to shrinkage, which can easily be filled. There is also a minor section of moulding and veneer missing to the rear left border below the frieze. Evidence of old minor worm, which appears to be no longer active. Paw feet have been restored and the rear left paw looks like a later replacement and the feet have been re-ebonised. An unusual piece, in otherwise 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 central vignette of Bogoslowsk is the twelfth plate entitled Vue de Bogoslowsk from a series depicting the eastern and central regions of Russia, drawn on stone by Hostein after a drawing by Victor-Jean Adam around 1830 and published in Paris by Imp. Lith. de Englemann & Co. Paris (see fig.1.). The remaining printed scenes including a border of  vignettes depicting various figures in landscapes are probably after Adam too.

Bogoslowsk is located at the foot of the Urals in the centre of Russia and was famous for it's proximity to one of the Demidoff mines - a supplier of copper and malachite(see fig.2.). It was the source for the malachite used in the Church of St. Issac in St. Petersburg and for a great malachite vase gifted to His Holiness the Pope in the 19th century by the Tsar.

The technique of applying prints onto wood is usually associated with the town of Mauchline in Scotland, although these transfer printed items were produced across Scotland. From 1820 many small items or 'toys' were applied with popular prints, usually and like the offered lot, with topographical scenes. Work of this nature in Russia may well have been produced in the home of a wealthy individual as a past time, in that way that penwork or embroidery was undertaken for pleasure by female members of the middle and upper classes.