A rare glazed ceramic vase, Abramtsevo, late 19th - early 20th century

of pear form, supported on a short foot and rising to the cylindrical neck with curved rim, the body covered with a flambé glaze varying from purple to celadon, the shoulders with moulded leaves, stamped Abramtsevo on the underside

In excellent condition 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 Abramtsevo ceramics workshop had its beginnings in 1888, when Elena Polenova started to organise 'ceramics Thursdays' as a way for the painters of the artistic colony to relax. This activity revived interest in folk art, especially majolica, and within two years a proper studio was established, which marked a new stage in the development of Russian ceramic art. The studio was under the technical supervision of Petr Vaulin, a chemistry specialist, who worked closely with artistic director Mikhail Vrubel.

 

By 1900 ceramic production had become the chief activity of the Abramtsevo colony, the wares characterised by their distinctive lustrous glaze and – with few exceptions, including the present lot – the absence of any marks. Only very few items, those which the ceramic artists considered the finest examples of their work, were marked.