FABERGÉ, WORKMASTER ANDERS NEVALAINEN, 1842-1917 | Gaming Set

the counters and dampners in original box of issue, the chamois lined interior tooled, Fabergé / Moscow / St Petersburg

Sotheby's, Geneva, 15 November 1988, lot 170

In good condition. Some minor scratches and wear on the glass part of the dampners, consistent with use. The box no longer has its original lock.
"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 lid set in silver with 'Tyotka' (Auntie). Tyotka is a simple trick-taking points based game for four players played with one standard deck of playing cards. Anders (or Antti) Nevalainen (1858-1933) was a Finnish craftsman who in 1885 qualified in St. Petersburg as a master goldsmith in 1885. He worked for Fabergé on his own terms and had his own staff, which at one stage included fifteen craftsman and two apprentices. Nevalainen’s workshop specialised in small scale items, particularly in silver, silver-gilt, gold and coloured enamels. He often juxtaposed precious metals with hardstones, ceramics and hardwoods producing functional as well as decorative items, such as desk accessories, bell pushes, needle trays and drinking vessels. His work was usually designed in a Russian historic or, like the present lot, neo-classical style.