after a 1937-1938 design by Natalia Danko, stamped dark green factory mark, numbered 33

Hillwood Museum, no. 31; Pushkin Museum, no. 77

Oda k Radosti/Ode to Joy, p. 116, cat. no. 74; for comparison, see Nosovich and Popova, p. 585.

One ink pot with masking glaze. The upper sections of the larger bush with yellow masking glaze, and the upper extremity of the left bush also. The right hand front corner finial and lower bird with masking glaze.
"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."

In 1937 celebrations similar to those in the same year honouring Pushkin (see lot 506) were held in commemoration of the 750th anniversary of the birth of Shota Rustaveli, the late 12th century Georgian poet and prince.  Rustaveli's 'The Knight in the Panther Skin' is often considered to be Georgia's national epic and is perhaps the most important surviving document from the kingdom's cultural and military zenith, one of the first examples of classic literary Georgian in a secular manuscript.  In response to the commemorations, Danko released this figural inkwell in early 1938.