- 149
a covered coconut cup with gilded silver mounts and a carved coconut ladle with silver mounts, Russia, late 17th century
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 USD
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Description
- "Tsar Aleksei Mikhailovich" carved beneath the portrait in Cyrillic vyaz-style script; the underside of the cup with unidentified Slavonic inscription, both in fitted leather-bound cases
- Height of cup: 9 1/4 in.; length of ladle 9 in.
- 23.5 cm; 22.9 cm
the cup set with gilded silver filigree mounts, the slip on cover with a pointed top, set on a spreading foot; the interior of the ladle carved with the Imperial double-headed eagle surrounding by scrolling decoration, the exterior carved with a portrait of Tsar Aleksei Mikhailovich, with silver mounts and handle
Literature
Coconuts mounted in silver and gold were rare and prized items in the homes of Russia's 17th-century tsars and boyars. On 17th-century Russian-made coconut cups, see I. Ivanova, "Kokosovye kubki russkikh masterov XVII veka," Soobshcheniia Gos. Ermitazha XLIX (1984): 21-22. For a similar mounted coconut cup once in the collection of Count Alexander Musin-Pushkin, see Russian Enamels: Kievan Rus to Fabergé, The Walters Art Gallery, 1996, pp. 30-31.
Condition
the interior of the ladle with older repairs; the coconut of the cup cracked (consistent with age) and with one loose mount, the cover appears to have once had a finial
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.
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.