A Neo-Classical ormolu mounted rhodenite and nephrite tazza, after a design by I.I. Hallberg, probably Peterhof of Kolyvan, circa 1850

the ovoid body with a foliate finial supported on a tripod with a gilt-bronze egg-and-dart rim above nephrite pilasters surmounted by a rosette, terminating in paw feet, on a circular base

Ludwig Nobel (1831-1888)
Thence by descent to the previous owner

 

In good overall condition consistent with age.
"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."

Ivan Hallberg (1778-1863) was a well-known architect and applied artist who worked in groups supporting the leading St. Petersburg architects such as Giacomo Quarenghi, Luigi Rusca, Carlo Rossi and Auguste Montferrand. As the architect of the Cabinet of His Imperial Highness he designed bronze and stonewear for the Imperial Court.

The offered lot is a smaller variant of the malachite tazza currently in the collection of the State Hermitage Museum. The original design by Hallberg was first approved on the 17th October 1842. When the stone work was completed the tazza was sent from Ekaterinburg Lapidary Works to Chopin Foundry in St. Petersburg to be mounted in bronze. In 1845 the finished piece was delivered to the Winter Palace and immediately an identical tazza was ordered. Originally the pair was destined to be exhibited in the New Hermitage, but was later placed in one of the Rooms of the Empress Alexandra Fedorovna.