Evgeni Alexandrovich Lanceray, 1848-1886

depicting a woman walking across wooden planks with a wattle fence behind her, fetching water from an ink well ingeniously designed to simulate a real well, she carries two bronze, detachable buckets across her shoulders, a goose leans over to drink water from a stream which acts as the receptacle for a paper knife, topped by the figure of a full length country girl digging with a spade

The figure of the woman and the right hand goose are slightly loose and would benefit from tightening.
"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 offered lot is a fine example of the prevalent artistic trends of the late 19th - early 20th centuries, which saw the revival of indigenous Russian stylistic canons. This trend manifested itself with appearance of silver and bronze pieces which imitated various objects of Russian household, such as salt cellars in the form of traditional birchbark hanapers or small canvas bags, cigarette cases shaped as leather or knitted mitten and inkwells which emulated horse stables, typical peasant yards and wells.

Sold together with an associated bronze paper knife.