a rare russian porcelain compote from the coronation service of nicholas I, imperial porcelain manufactory, st. petersburg, circa 1826

of circular form on a spreading gilded socle, the interior decorated with a printed image of the state arms, the Imperial double-headed eagle encircled by the chain of the Order of St. Andrew on an ermine-lined mantle surmounted by the Imperial crown,  heightened with polychromatic enamels, the border with burnished gilt ciselé trophies of arms and lion masks against a lapis-lazuli blue ground, unmarked.

Some scratches to surface of gilding; otherwise in overall 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Coronation Service for Nicholas I is unusual because pieces from it bear no factory marks, a result of the great urgency with which the commission was completed.  After Emperor Alexander I's unexpected death in November 1825, confusion and disagreement over the rightful successor led to the fateful Decembrist uprising among the elite guards regiments.  In this uncertain environment, it was essential to complete the official coronation as soon as possible; the ceremony was scheduled for August 22, 1826, giving comparatively little time to prepare the complex ceremonies.  To speed the completion of the coronation service, one of the key ceremonial objects, it was decided to use unmarked whiteware from the reign of Alexander I.  Its decoration reflects both the festivity of the event while evoking Russia's military might and prestige.  Nicholas I began his reign by putting down a rebellion and using the military to establish his legitimacy.  Indeed, his coronation ceremonies were the first to include extensive military maneuvers and troop reviews as part of the public spectacles.  This service was actually used on the emperor's table during his coronation dinner, and after that it appears the service was returned to the Winter Palace never to be used again. Although this service is known to have comprised at least nine dozen plates of different varieties, gueridons, compotes, and candlesticks, serving pieces such as this compote rarely appear on the market.  For a similar compote from the collection of the State Hermitage Museum, see Tamara Kudrjawzewa, Das weisse Gold der Zaren, Darmstadt, 2000, p. 135.