A Porcelain Figure of a Nenets (Samoed) Man from the Series 'Peoples of Russia', Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, St. Petersburg, circa 1800

modelled as a man in fur-lined winter dress with brightly-colored ornament holding a bow and arrow, the reverse of the based with the painted Cyrillic title Samaet, apparently unmarked

bright and attractive, 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.

This figure and its mate (lot 187) are based on Jean-Dominique Rachette's series of the People of Russia commissioned by Catherine the Great and production at the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory beginning in the 1780s. Although the original figures were intended as a single, programmatic table decoration, the figures held such great interest that they were repeated for use with other table services or as edifying ornament. For other examples, see N. von Wolf, Imperatorskii farforovyi zavod, 1744-1904 (ed. V. Znamenov), St. Petersburg, 2008, pp. 134-135.