A Russian gilded silver and champlevé enamel salt throne, Maria Adler, Moscow, 1878

of traditional form, the trapezoidal body and hinged cover decorated with Pan-Slavic geometric and foliate motifs enameled in white, blue, and translucent red in imitation of peasant embroidery, the seatback centered with a polychrome cockerel above a Russian aphorism: Eat bread and salt and speak the truth, the seat borders similarly enameled with the aphorism Our grandparents ate simply but lived on earth 100 years, the back of the seat with conforming engraved ornament, 88 standard

Sold Sotheby's New York, 23 June 1983, lot 545, illustrated
New York Private Collection

overall good condition, some small wear to enamel
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.