- 712
A purpurine model of a cat, St Petersburg, circa 1900
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- purpurine, chrysoberyl
- height 11.5cm, 4 1/2 in.
realistically moulded, seated and staring intently, the eyes set with cymophane cabochons
Condition
Excellent condition, with a small number of tiny chips.
"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 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."
Catalogue Note
For a purpurine cat by Fabergé, please see G. Hill, Fabergé and the Russian Master Goldsmiths, New York, 1989, pl. 83 (which sold, Sotheby's New York, 16 December 1982, lot 203).
The red glass known as purpurine had been known in the 18th century and was rediscovered in the late 19th by Sergei Petukhov, director of the technical department at the Imperial Glass Manufactory, St Petersburg. According to Henry Charles Bainbridge, 'The material has much the nature of obsidian, is of that wonderful red colour named by the French sang de boeuf, and is very heavy, having gold in its composition. Personally I call this the rarest of all the substances, natural and artificial, used by Fabergé' (Peter Carl Fabergé, His Life and Work, London, 1949, p. 54).
Cymophane, known as cat's eye for the light effect brought about by its mineral composition, was first identified in 1804.
The red glass known as purpurine had been known in the 18th century and was rediscovered in the late 19th by Sergei Petukhov, director of the technical department at the Imperial Glass Manufactory, St Petersburg. According to Henry Charles Bainbridge, 'The material has much the nature of obsidian, is of that wonderful red colour named by the French sang de boeuf, and is very heavy, having gold in its composition. Personally I call this the rarest of all the substances, natural and artificial, used by Fabergé' (Peter Carl Fabergé, His Life and Work, London, 1949, p. 54).
Cymophane, known as cat's eye for the light effect brought about by its mineral composition, was first identified in 1804.