A porcelain tea and coffee service, Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, St Petersburg, period of Catherine II (1762-1796)

comprising tea pot, coffee pot, sugar bowl and four cups and saucers, each with the coat of arms of Count Panzini of Mantua and gilt intertwined initials L and G, light blue border with gilt husking, the finials moulded as flowers and the handles as stems, with blue Imperial cypher of Catherine II

Christie's London, 21 April 1988, lot 179

Excellent condition, with very light glaze rubbing to the interior rims of two cups and minor firing flaws throughout. Scratches to the gilding of the rims throughout. The rim of the tea pot having been re-gilt.
"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."

Recorded in Count Guiseppe Panzini's will, which was archived in Mantua after his death on the 18th May 1794, as a Russian porcelain tea service, this is the only known example from the period of Catherine the Great to be decorated with a foreign coat of arms. As such the service is a rare memorial to the Count and his wife, Laura Maria Furlani.