pierced porcelain basket in the Neo-Rococo taste, with painted scenes of shepherds and hunters in the shell-shaped reserves, the handles and four feet sculpted to resemble branches, the exterior with sculpted, brightly colored flowers, the interiors painted with floral bouquets, with blue cypher mark of Nicholas I

overall very good condition; some small losses to edge of several blossoms
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This pierced basket seems to have been part of a service first made in the period of Nicholas I; another example with marks from the period of Alexander II was sold Sotheby's New York, 2009, lot 376. For an identical pierced basket in the collection of the Winter Palace, see N.B. von Wolf (ed. T.N. Nosovich), Imperatorskii farforovyi zavod, 1744-1904, St. Petersburg, 2003, fig. 347, p. 228. The Imperial Porcelain Manufactory's Petr Ivanov (ca. 1780-1851) first formulated a porcelain mass capable of sustaining the intricate forms of various blooms in biscuit. During the reign of Alexander II, numerous glazed and painted flowers were applied as decoration to vases, mirrors, and even specially commissioned furniture.