a russian vase with underglaze polychrome painting, Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, period of Nicholas II (1894-1917), dated 1897

of tapered cylindrical form decorated in muted hues with a Russian fall landscape with silver birches and pines against a cloudy sky, with green Imperial cypher for Nicholas II, dated 1897

Russian Works of Art and Objects of Vertu, Sotheby's, New York, December 1, 1998, lot 186

two long scratches to surface glaze. one small chip to painting restored. 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.
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This vase is a particularly early example of underglaze painting from the Russian Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, where artists began studying the technique only late in the reign of Alexander III (1883-1894).  His wife Empress Maria Feodorovna (1847-1928), born Princess Marie Sophie Frederikke Dagmar of Denmark, always promoted close ties between the Russian and Danish courts. Alexander III greatly admired the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory's wares decorated with their newly developed method of underglaze painting and between 1892 and 1895, Danish designers from the Copenhagen factory were sent to St. Petersburg to instruct painters at the Russian imperial factory in the new technique.