A pair of malachite topped two-tone gilt-bronze guéridon tables, French or Russian late 19th/ 20th century

in Louis XVI style, each with a circular veneered malachite top above tasselled drapery and fruiting, flower and leaf cast swags and open tripods enclosing neo-classical baluster urns with spirally fluted necks, three scrolled handles and a band of cherubs in the manner of Clodion, on raised open tricorn bases cast with guilloche and masks

Lady Deterding
Thence by family descent to George Bagratouni
Thence by family descent

see catalogue note at sothebys.com

In overall very conserved good condition. The gilding is less greenish more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph and the tops are slightly lighter in colour. They are slightly dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. There is a later wooden backing beneath both tops. There are some small holes on the supports flanking the drapery which are visible in the catalogue photograph and may previously have had mounts. Some rubbing to the pinkish gilding on the vases. One top is missing a screw but can easily be secured.
"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."

Lady Deterding (1904-1980) was the second wife of Sir Henri Wilhelm August Deterding, oil magnate and Director General of Royal Dutch-Shell. Lady Deterding or Lydia Pavlovna Kondoyarova, a Russian by birth was a close friend of the Romanov and the Yusupov families. As an avid collector of Fabergé and jewellery, Lydia updated her collection buying from Grand Duchess Xenia at her home in Hampton Court, Wartski in London as well as acquiring various pieces in Paris. When she settled in Paris on Avenue Foch, she filled her house with beautiful paintings and works of art, including various nephrite objects by Fabergé (for more information on Lady Deterding collection please see Connoisseur, French edition, Des chefs-d'oeuvre pour decor quotidien, December 1962, p. 59).

During her years of marriage to Sir Henri she dedicated a considerable part of her life to helping Russian émigrés. It was in recognition of these services that she was granted the title of Princess Donskaya-the highest title that can be conferred on Russians not directly of royal blood. The title was conferred on Lady Deterding in 1937 in Amsterdam by the Grand Duke Cyril, first cousin of the late Tsar of Russia and regarded by Russian legitimists as the rightful "Tsar of all the Russias."

A silver-mounted Nephrite vase from the same collection will be sold in the Russian sale, Sotheby's, London, 3rd June 2014, lot 177.