A pair of Russian porcelain vases, Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, St Petersburg period of Alexander I or Nicholas I, circa 1825

each of amphora form with spreading circular foot on square socle, cylindrical neck and flared rim, the handles moulded as sitting Cupids holding bows, those surfaces gilt and ciselé, the body painted with a polychrome and gilt basket of fruit above acanthus scrolls on a blue ground

Purchased by the present owner from A La Vieille Russie, New York, 1997

 

First vase. Restoration to wing of one cupid. Restoration to both bows. Minor wear to gilding and enamels. Second vase. Restoration to both bows. Minor wear to enamels and gilding.
"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."

A pair of vases of identical form and scale, notably with the same cupid handles, is in the collection of the Hermitage, St Petersburg, illustrated, T. Kudriavtseva, Russian Imperial Porcelain, St Petersburg, 2003, pp. 118-9.  Believed to date form the late 1820s, the Hermitage vases are painted with genre scenes.  It was in 1827 that the director of the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, Komarov, wrote "It can surely be said that the [sculptural elements of Imperial porcelain] surpass all those made in this kind elsewhere.  At least nothing has been brought so far to Russia that could rival our art."