Lot 448
  • 448

A rare gilt-bronze casket, Nikolai Ivanovich Liberich (1828-1883), St Petersburg, late 19th century, and a matching desk set

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • casket 23 by 40 by 31cm, 9 by 15 3/4 by 12 1/4 in.
the casket of pentagonal form, the side panels applied with naturalistically modelled tree trunks, branches, vines, and rocks, the hinged lid with a hunting scene of a deer surrounded by hares and foxes, the left front side panel signed in Cyrillic Liberich; the matching bronze and hardstone desk set comprising an inkwell with pen-rest, a pair of candlesticks, a small box, cover, matchbox holder, ashtray, and large table lamp base (not illustrated)

Condition

The casket in rather good condition, the gilding stained and with some rubbing; the interior originally with glass lining now lacking base; the desk utensils all in rather poor to fair condition, stained, gilding partly rubbed and/or oxidated; most marble bases loose and with most feet missing; lamp foot drilled for electricity. A rare and attractive lot in need of restoration.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Born in St Petersburg in 1828, Nikolai Liberich studied sculpture at the St Petersburg Academy, specialising in animal figures, particularly horses and bears.  Many of his groups were cast in silver as well as bronze, the latter usually at the Woerffel foundry in St Petersburg.  Although the present casket lacks foundry marks, the quality and crispness of the casting suggest the same manufactory. Variations of the bear with tree trunk theme can be found throughout Liberich's work.  The casket, possibly a humidor, seems to be a unique model, possibly made as a special commission.