A good walrus, bone and ivory plaque of Tsar Peter I the Great Russian, Archangelsk or Kholmogory, 18th century

seated under a baldachin, surmounted by a crown and an eagle in flight, the emperor wearing the Order of Saint Andrew, wardrobes to the right and left displaying coats, a hat and shoes, the central plaque within a border engraved with stylised leaves, heightened in green and red, the outer border formed by plaques pierced with further stylised foliage, centred on either side with flowering plants, the edge canted, lined with purple-coloured fabric and supported on pinewood panel

Ernst II (1871-1955), governing Duke of Sachsen-Altenburg
Friedrich Ernst Prince of Sachsen-Altenburg (1905-1985)
Thence by inheritance

Related literature:
R.Randall, Masterpieces in Ivory, Walters Art Gallery, London 1985

In overall good condition with some minor surface dirt. Minor warping to the wooden backing, resulting in minor warping to the ivory and bone ornaments at the front. One larger vertical split consistent with material close to proper right of the enthroned monarch, as visible in the catalogue image. Small horizontal fissures to the two floral panels embellishing the frame. Minor lossesto the upper and lower right corner. Minor restoration to the top of the border. Minor discoloration to the red silk backing.
"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 composition of this plaque does contain interesting allusions to the extended trip to Western European countries ('Grosse Gesandtschaft') before his coronation as Emperor in 1721. Shown to the left and right of the enthroned monarch are displayed vestments that could be interpreted as pertaining to his stay in the Netherlands, where he learnt the trade of ship-building from 1697 to 1698.
Carved and filigreed bone-veneered objects and furniture produced in Russia during the second half of the 18th century are thought to have been manufactured at Archangelesk, a Northern seaport. There was a royal manufactory there specialising in furniture, the veneer made from walrus tusks found in the Arctic Sea. Objects veneered in bone were also manufactured in the towns of Kholmogory and the villages of Kurostrovy, Ukhtostrov and others.