shaped circular, the center applied with the carved and gilded cyphers of Nicholas II and Alexandra Fedorovna within a laurel border, the outer rim applied with finely carved Cyrillic inscription: "From the Loyal Nomadic Non-Russians [Inorodtsy] of the Stavropol Province," the border set with four Imperial double-headed eagles in high relief between four cartouches, three enameled with scenes of the life of the inorodtsy (Kalmyks, Turkmen, and Nogai) in grisaille on dark turquoise plaques, the fourth with a brightly colored map of the region, the reverse with Winter Palace inventory number D. 725 EE in black and No. 39 in pencil, fitted with metal hanger

Excellent condition; some very small wear to gilding and small scuffs to areas of high relief, some craquelure visible in the surface of the plaque painted in with the map
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.

According to traditional Russian hospitality, a plate with bread and a container of salt were used to greet honored guests, including members of the Imperial family. By the mid-19th century, different groups competed to commission ever more lavish gifts to the sovereigns. Margaretta Eager, nanny to the Grand Duchesses from 1898-1904, wrote in her memoirs: "The walls of the state rooms in the Winter Palace were covered with gold plates and dishes, many of them with the monograms of dead and gone Emperors and the double-headed Eagle in precious stones. Upon these dishes were presented formerly the bread and salt with which members of the Imperial family are greeted on entering a town. When an Imperial train stops at a station, a deputation of the principal persons, headed by one called the Starosta or Elder, presents the Emperor with bread and salt. Shortly after the accession of Nicholas II, he found that the poorer villages and communities were unable to afford the expense of the gold plate, and yet could not bear to be outdone by the richer villages. He therefore issued a decree that henceforth bread and salt should be presented only on wooden or china dishes." (M. Eager, Six Years at the Russian Court, London, 1906, p. 134). This richly decorated platter, although outwardly adhering to the regulation, nevertheless made use of the finest carving and design to demonstrate the loyalty of the Imperial subjects at even the most distant outposts.