- 191
A Large and Unusual Russian Silver and Enamel Horse-Headed Presentation Kovsh, Grachev Brothers, St. Petersburg, circa 1900
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 USD
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Description
- the interior inscribed Presented to Sir Arthur and Lady Nicolson by the British community at St. Petersburg on the occasion of their Excellencies departure from Russia 30th July 12th August 1910.
- Silver, enamel
- Length 15 3/4 in.
- 40 cm
of traditional form, the prow cast and chased with a stylized horse head with curling mane and forelock and richly decorated bridle, the rim and body decorated with stylized, scrolling flowers and foliage in blue, turquoise, green, red and white against a stippled ground, the flat, shaped handle with conforming decoration and a vacant cartouche, set on an oval foot
Literature
For a similar kovsh with a cockerel head by the Grachev Brothers, see The Chen Collection, Part 1, Lyon & Turnbull, London, November 23, 2008, lot 9.
Condition
some minor losses to enamel, otherwise in overall good condition
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Sir Arthur Nicolson, 1st Baron Carnock (1849–1928) spent four years in St. Petersburg as the British ambassador, during which he helped to negotiate the Anglo-Russian Convention and helped to turn Russian from a long-standing rival of Great Britain to an ally. His son Harold Nicolson, in his biography of his father, recalled that his parents "became extremely popular in Russia ... [because] the Ambassador displayed such evident liking for them all." His affection for the Russian people made this very lavish gift in a traditional style an appropriate gift for the departing ambassadorial couple.