in Neoclassical taste, the satinwood panels applied with chased stylized ribbon-tied laurel festoons set above rectangular apertures with beaded bezels; also with thyrsos staff finials; the bottom of each set on bun feet

From the Nobel Family Collection

one thyrsos staff finial slightly loose; also with small loss to silver visible on the back of the border of the left frame
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.

Fabergé was always interested in the aesthetic qualities of wood and the overall decorative appeal it provided to his objects. Satinwood was just one of over 20 different varieties of indigenous and tropical woods Fabergé's workshops were known to have used. Anders (Antti) Nevalainen's St. Petersburg workshop was particularly well known for its skillful mounting of beautifully figured woods. On the firm's designs in wood, see Kieran McCarthy, "Forgotten Fabergé," The Antique Dealers and Collectors Guide, May-June 2004, pp. 40-42.

Anders (Antti) Juhaninpoika Nevalainen (1858-1933) was born in Pielisjärvi, Finland, and traveled to St. Petersburg in 1875 as a journeyman. He began his career as a goldworker, then became a master goldsmith, and was soon employed by August Holmström. Eventually, he opened his own workshop producing exclusively for the firm of Fabergé. The current lot attests t🐭o Nevalainen's mastery of combining finely chased gilded silver with fine grained wood.