A porcelain urn with cover, Imperial Porcelain manufactory, period of Alexander II (1855-1881)

of baluster form, the surface with turquoise glaze, the rim and body applied with oak leaf and acorn garlands, caryatid handles, the foot with palm and acanthus leaves, cone finial, with green Imperial cipher of Alexander II and dated 7 

There are several firing cracks to caryatids and garlands. The cone finial has been broken - it is currently held in place with a dowel and needs to be re-attached. There are chips to the garland held by one caryatid. There are minor losses to the gilding in places 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."

The sumptuous decorative features and clean silhouette of the offered lot be traced back to the Sèvres porcelain covered vases produced during the period of Catherine the Great and reflect the general development in the arts of nineteenth century Russia to follow the trends of Western Europe.

Showcasing the great skill of the porcelain masters, the lavishly-modelled handles in the forms of caryatids, palmettes and scrolling acanthus, vaguely recall the famous 1807-8 'Gossips' vases designed by Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843).  In comparison to the Sèvres examples, which are gilt bronze, the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory produced their handles from porcelain, attaching them to the body of the vase with concealed rods.  The distinctive combination of cobalt and sky blue pigments with gilt in imitation of gilt-bronze became widely used at the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory in the late nineteenth century and continued throughout the Soviet era.