A rare majolica centrepiece, S.I. Maslennikov, 1880-1889

modelled as a wigned putto riding a scallop shell pulled by two dolphins, on shaped cobalt blue base, with impressed factory marks S. Maslennikov and numbered 623 5

One wing has been broken and restored and tehre is further minor restoration to the tip of the second wing. There is restoration to putto's feet and left hand as well as to the dolphins' heads. A minor chip to the nose and further minor restoration to the cobalt base.
"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 factory of S.I. Maslennikov was established in Tver province in 1879 and was destroyed by fire in 1889. The factory had its own art school where Maslennikov painted the designs for the works which were then executed in the sculpture workshop headed by N.V. Annensky. The factory had many commissions to produce ceramics, including for the church on Nikolsky street in Moscow as well as various objects commemorating the coronation of Alexander III. Stylistically, the works are superlative examples of the historicism trend. Maslennikov's majolica objects are characterised by their superb colouring and figurative compositions and are exceptionally rare on the market.