A LARGE PORCELAIN TUREEN FROM THE COBALT SERVICE, IMPERIAL PORCELAIN FACTORY, ST PETERSBURG, PERIOD OF ALEXANDER II (1855-1881) |

with cover and underplate, the tureen lid surmounted by an impressive gilt apple, the pieces decorated with a deep cobalt blue ground border with gilt decoration en caillouté reserving shaped cartouches with brightly colored bouquets of roses, tulips, morning glories, and other blossoms and flanked with gilt floriated swags, with green Imperial cypher of Alexander II

Overall in very good condition; some wear to gilding and a few firing flaws.
"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."

The so-called Cobalt Service is connected to a luxurious cobalt blue ground porcelain service with gilt decoration en caillouté that Joseph II had ordered from the Vienna Porcelain Manufactory as a gift to Grand Duke Paul Petrovich, then the heir to the throne and travelling with his wife throughout Europe. The design was inspired by an earlier gift of a Sèvres table service given to Danish King Christian VII by Louis XV in 1768. During the reign of Nicholas I, this service, used at Gatchina Palace, once again came into favour and numerous additions were made to it beginning in 1840. The additions continued throughout the remainder of his reign and that of his successor, Alexander II (r. 1855-1881). On this service, see Tsvet nebesnyi, sinii tsvet, St. Petersburg, 2007, no. 14, p. 40.