stamped black factory mark

Hillwood Museum, no. 4; Pushkin Museum, no.17

Oda k Radosti/Ode to Joy, p. 60, cat. no. 37

Very good condition, a few small areas of retouching to the paintwork throughout: to the reds of the right hand pot and ball of clay and the rims of the other two pots, and to three of four small areas to the figure's clothing and some tiny areas of his right hand. One tiny chip to the water bucket.
"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."

Ivan Alekseevich Ikonnikov rented a small manufactory from V.N. Sipiagin in 1865.  The manufactory's wares were distinguished by the quality of the paste, which allowed for extremely fine detail, evident in this figure's hair and face.