20.11.2025

Large Qajar Underglaze-Painted Vase

Persia (Iran), Qajar dynasty, 19th century
Pottery (earthenware), polychrome underglaze painting with transparent glaze
Dimensions: height 50 cm
Marks: inventory number “2660” to base

Tall piriform vase on a short foot, with a wide neck and everted rim; four strap handles join the shoulder to the neck. The body is richly painted under the glaze in cobalt blue, manganese, green and touches of yellow: scrolling foliate vines with rosettes and composite blossoms cover the main field, framed by floral bands at the shoulder and foot. Small cartouches punctuate the design, all outlined in dark slip to sharpen the detail.
The dense floral scrolls and deep cobalt ground are characteristic of Qajar ceramics, which revived earlier Safavid ornamental schemes while adopting a brighter, more graphic palette for large display pieces like this well-balanced example.

Starting price: 400€
Estimate: 600-800€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

A pair of Russian porcelain vases with floral and botanical decoration, produced by the Gardner Manufactory, Verbilki, circa 1870.
Height: 37 cm.

Each vase is crafted in elegant baluster form with a scalloped, openwork rim edged in gilding. The body is covered in a deep cobalt blue glaze, against which raised white and gold relief decorations of oak leaves, acorns, and intertwining branches stand out vividly.
The Gardner Porcelain Factory, founded in 1754 by Francis Gardner, an Englishman working in Russia, became one of the most renowned manufactories of the Empire. Over two centuries it produced masterpieces of porcelain art that graced imperial palaces and aristocratic collections across Europe.

Famous for its custom-made services featuring family coats of arms, crowns, and monograms, the factory received special recognition from Empress Catherine II in 1785, who granted it the right to use the Moscow coat of arms on its mark. Later, in 1855, it earned the right to bear the Imperial State Emblem of Russia, a distinction given only to the finest manufactories of the period.

These vases exemplify the refinement, craftsmanship, and artistic sophistication of Gardner porcelain in the high historicist style popular during the reign of Alexander II.

Starting price: 800€
Estimate: 1000-1200€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

An interesting Russian porcelain coffee set with hand-painted views of Feodosia, produced at a private manufactory in Russia, late 19th century.
The set includes a coffee pot, milk jug, sugar bowl, and four cups with saucers.
Height of the coffee pot: 25 cm.

This elegant ensemble is richly decorated in deep burgundy and gold tones, with finely painted landscape scenes depicting coastal views of Feodosia — ships in the harbor, fortress walls, and seaside architecture. Each panel is framed by gilded borders, while the upper sections of the vessels are adorned with floral garlands and neoclassical ornaments in vibrant enamels. The interiors and handles are fully gilded, reflecting the luxurious character of Russian porcelain of the period.

Starting price: 2000€
Estimate: 2500-3000€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

A Russian porcelain dining service of 30 pieces, richly decorated with cobalt-blue and gold floral painting.
Attributed to the Kuznetsov Manufactory, late 19th century.
Dimensions of the pot: 14 x 31 x 19.5 cm.
Diameter of the saucer plate: 16.5 cm.

The service includes plates of various sizes, serving platters, sauce boats, and bowls, all unified by a refined design featuring delicate hand-painted blue flowers and gilded foliage on a white ground. The rims are bordered with a deep cobalt band, enhanced by gold scrolls and accents, creating a striking contrast and sense of depth.

Starting price: 2500€
Estimate: 3000-3500€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Icon of Saint John the Baptist
Central Russia, second half of the 19th century
Tempera on wood
Dimensions: 35.5 × 30.5 cm

A finely painted Russian icon depicting Saint John the Baptist, portrayed half-length and holding a chalice containing the image of the infant Christ — a symbolic reference to his prophecy of the coming of the Savior and his role as the Forerunner. In his left hand, the saint holds a scroll with a passage from the Gospel.

The borders feature Saint Anna on the left and a Guardian Angel on the right, painted within small decorative panels.

Starting price: 400€
Estimate: 500-600€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Memorial Icon of Saint Nicholas (Nicholas of Winter) in a Silver Oklad and Wooden Kiot
Moscow, 1896
Wood, oil painting, silver oklad
Workshop of Antip Kuzmichev

Dimensions:
Kiot with crest: 35 × 25.7 × 7.8 cm
Icon: 18 × 14.7 × 2.5 cm

Inscription on the presentation plaque:
“To Feldfebel (Sergeant) of the 10th Company, 89th Belomorsky Infantry Regiment, Ivan Tapper, in remembrance from the Company Commander Captain Hidlevsky and the lower ranks of the company. City of Reval, 1900.” This memorial icon of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, one of the most venerated saints in Russia and patronical Saint of Russian army, is painted in oil on wood and enclosed in a finely crafted silver-gilt oklad (riza) and a wooden kiot (protective case). The oklad, made by the renowned Moscow silversmith Antip Kuzmichev, exemplifies the exquisite metalwork of late 19th-century Russia. Kuzmichev’s workshop, founded in 1856, was famous for its collaboration with the American firm Tiffany & Co., producing luxury silver and enamel objects for both Russian and international markets.

The engraved dedication connects this icon to the 89th Belomorsky Infantry Regiment of His Imperial Highness the Heir Tsarevich, part of the Imperial Russian Army. The regiment, whose lineage dates back to the early 18th century, was awarded numerous honors for its bravery in major military campaigns.

Such icons were often presented as tokens of respect and remembrance, symbolizing the bond between officers and soldiers. In this case, the icon was gifted to Sergeant Ivan Tapper by his commander and fellow soldiers while stationed in Reval (modern-day Tallinn) in 1900.

Starting price: 2000€
Estimate: 2500-3500€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Icon of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva with Silver Riza
Balkans, 17th–18th century
Icon: tempera on wood, 17th century
Riza: silver, repoussé and chased, 18th century
Dimensions: 32 × 27 × 4.5 cm
Riza weight: 860 g

This remarkable icon represents Saint Paraskeva (Paraskevi) of the Balkans, a revered Christian martyr known for her piety, compassion, and miracles. The saint is depicted holding a cross as a symbol of her martyrdom, flanked by two angels bearing crowns of glory.

The underlying icon, likely dating to the 17th century, retains the expressive intensity of early post-Byzantine Balkan iconography, characterized by elongated proportions, austere modeling, and a deep spiritual gravity.

The silver riza, executed in the 18th century, complements the image with richly embossed baroque ornamentation—cartouches, clouds, and acanthus motifs—framing the saint in a celestial setting.

Starting price: 1000€
Estimate: 1200-1500€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Icon of the Mother of God “Feodorovskaya” with Guardian Angel and Saint Andrew Stratelates
Dimensions: 31.7 x 26.6 x 3 cm.
Romanov-Borisoglebsk region, circa 1800
Tempera on wood, gold leaf
This finely executed Old Believer icon represents the revered image of the Feodorovskaya Mother of God, accompanied by the Guardian Angel and Saint Andrew Stratelates on the borders. Painted in the Romanov-Borisoglebsk region around 1800, it exemplifies the artistic tradition known as the “Romanov school” — a late revival of 17th-century Yaroslavl and Kostroma iconography by Old Believer masters.
The Romanov-Borisoglebsk icon painters preserved ancient techniques and aesthetics at a time when Westernized academic art dominated the Russian Empire. Their works are noted for:

Precise geometric construction of forms and halos

Fine engraving on gold backgrounds (“chornenie po zolotu”)

Jewel-like color palette with delicate highlights and transparent lacquers

Exquisite miniature detailing and balanced, rhythmic composition

The Romanov-Borisoglebsk workshops, active from the late 18th to the early 19th century, produced icons of exceptional refinement for discerning Old Believer patrons. Leading families such as the Arkhipovskys, Agapovs, and Kalashnikovs maintained continuity of the Stroganov and Armory Chamber traditions, creating works that combined spiritual depth with decorative sophistication.

This icon is a characteristic example of the “Romanov letters” style — a rare provincial phenomenon that achieved a harmonious blend of old canonical spirituality and artistic elegance

Starting price: 6000€
Estimate: 8000-12000€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Icon “The Mother of God of Korsun”
Vladimir, 1857
Icon: wood, tempera, gold leaf
Riza: silver 84, chasing, engraving, gilding, niello, enamel, colored stones or glass
Master: F. Che
Dimensions: 33 × 27.5 × 5 cm
Riza weight: 558.5 g

An baroque-style 19th-century Russian icon of The Mother of God of Korsun, covered with a finely worked silver riza richly decorated with chasing, gilded details, and inset colored stones. The engraved inscription identifies the icon as “Korsun Mother of God, 1857.”

According to ancient tradition, the original Korsun icon was painted by St. Luke the Evangelist and brought from Ephesus to Kiev by Prince Vladimir after his baptism in 988. The image later resided in Novgorod and then in Moscow’s Dormition Cathedral, where it became one of Russia’s most revered relics.

Another legend connects the icon with St. Euphrosyne of Polotsk, who received it as a gift from the Byzantine Emperor and Patriarch in the 12th century. It was later brought to Toropets by Princess Paraskeva, wife of St. Alexander Nevsky, and became famous for its miracles and protection of the city.

Icons of the Korsun type belong to the “Tenderness” (Umilenie) family, symbolizing the deep spiritual and human bond between the Virgin and the Christ Child.

Starting price: 2500€
Estimate: 3000-3500€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Icon “John the Evangelist”
Yaroslavl, late 18th century
Tempera on wood, gesso, gold leaf and melted gold
Riza: silver (84 zolotniks), gilding, chasing
Moscow, 1814, maker’s mark AG
Dimensions: 33 × 28 × 4.5 cm
Riza weight: 349.5 g

This refined icon depicts Saint John the Evangelist, portrayed in deep reflection as he writes the Gospel under the guidance of an angel. The composition is filled with warmth and psychological depth, characteristic of the Yaroslavl School of the 18th century — one of the most expressive traditions of Russian icon painting.

The Yaroslavl school emerged in the 16th–17th centuries during a period of artistic flourishing. Many of its painters came from artisan backgrounds, which shaped their unique visual language: soft color transitions, emotional faces, and lively gestures. Unlike the austere icons of earlier centuries, Yaroslavl works combined devotion with a deeply human sensibility.

By the 17th century, Yaroslavl had become a major center of iconography. Its artists contributed to the decoration of key cathedrals, including the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin and the Church of Elijah the Prophet in Yaroslavl. Despite the growing influence of Western art, Yaroslavl icon painters preserved traditional techniques and aesthetics well into the 19th century.

The silver-gilt riza in classicism style, crafted in Moscow in 1814, enhances the sacred image with delicate gilding and chased ornamentation, highlighting the saint’s spiritual authority and contemplative grace.

Starting price: 2500€
Estimate: 3000-3500€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Icon “The Crucifixion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
Russia, Mstyora, early 20th century
Mixed technique on wood.
Painter: I. F. Medvedev
Workshop: Mstyora Educational Icon-Painting Studio of the Committee for the Guardianship of Russian Icon Painting
Dimensions: 31.3 x 26.4 x 2.6 cm.

This richly executed icon represents The Crucifixion of Christ, a central subject of Christian art. Christ is shown on the Cross, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, St. John the Theologian, St. Mary Magdalene, and St. Longinus the Centurion. The detailed gilded background, intricate ornamentation, and balanced color harmony reflect the refined craftsmanship of the Mstyora icon-painting tradition.

The inscription on the reverse confirms that this icon was created in the Mstyora Training and Icon-Painting Workshop, founded under the auspices of the Committee for the Guardianship of Russian Icon Painting (1901–1918). The Committee, established by Count Sergey Sheremetev with support from artist Viktor Vasnetsov, sought to revive traditional Russian iconography and preserve ancient tempera techniques in opposition to mass-produced printed icons.Dimensions: 31,3 x 26,4 x 2,6 cm.

Starting price: 10000€
Estimate: 12000-15000€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Icon “Mother of God of Chernigov”
Russia, late 19th century
Oil on panel, silver, gilding, enamel
Educational workshop of Pavel Ovchinnikov Factory (?), Moscow
Dimensions: 9.5 × 6.8 cm

This small travel icon depicts the Mother of God of Chernigov holding the Christ Child. The icon is enclosed in a finely crafted silver-gilt frame richly decorated with champlevé enamel in the traditional 17th-century Russian style. The reverse side features a delicate floral ornament in multicolored enamel, characteristic of the ornamental motifs revived by the Ovchinnikov workshop in the late 19th century.

The Pavel Ovchinnikov firm, founded in 1853, was one of the leading jewelry and silversmithing houses of Imperial Russia. Known for its mastery of cloisonné and champlevé enamel, the factory was the first to systematically revive ancient Russian decorative traditions. Under Ovchinnikov’s direction, the workshop became a center for artistic excellence, training craftsmen and collaborating with leading artists and architects of the time.

Starting price: 2500€
Estimate: 3000-3500€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Icon “Mother of God of Kazan”
Solvychegodsk (Usolye), Northern Russia, 18th century (?).
Wood, tempera, enamel, silver filigree, pearls.
Dimensions: 8 × 7 cm

This small icon of the Mother of God of Kazan reflects the rich enamel and filigree tradition of Solvychegodsk (Usolye), a renowned center of northern Russian craftsmanship. The image of the Virgin and Child is framed by delicate silver filigree ornamentation, accented with turquoise and white enamel and pearls at the corners.

The Usolye enameling school, which flourished from the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, was founded by Novgorod craftsmen under the patronage of the powerful Stroganov family. Its masters perfected the art of painted enamel on copper, applying vibrant colors and intricate floral or geometric patterns that merged folk motifs with Western Baroque influences. Comaprable icon of Mother of god of Kazan (XVII century) in State Hermitage collection (Russian Enamel from the 12th to the Early 20th Century from the Collection of the State Hermitage Museum. Leningrad, 1987. P.47)

Starting price: 2000€
Estimate: 2500-3500€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Samovar in the Shape of an Egg
Shemarin Brothers’ Manufactory, Tula, 1880s
Silver-plated brass, wood
Height: 45 cm (including the chimney cap)

This silver-plated brass samovar, crafted in the form of an egg, represents the refined aesthetic and exceptional quality of the Shemarin Brothers’ Manufactory in Tula — one of the foremost samovar producers of late Imperial Russia. The harmonious proportions, fine polish, and elegant detailing reflect the high standards of Tula metalwork in the late 19th century.

The Shemarin Brothers manufactured samovars at a time when Russian tea ceremonies had become a hallmark of cultured domestic life. Their samovars were sought after not only by the Russian nobility and intelligentsia but also by Persian shahs, Indian maharajas, and European aristocrats, who appreciated both their craftsmanship and their aura of Russian luxury.

The dynasty began with Ivan Rodionovich Shemarin, a former serf who earned his freedom and, together with his wife Agrippina and five sons, settled in the Tula province. In 1887, the brothers established their own manufactory, which quickly grew into one of the largest in Russia. By 1904, their enterprise ranked second only to the famed Batashev factory, employing over 700 workers and producing up to 6,000 samovars per month.

Their products gained international acclaim, receiving more than ten medals at world fairs — including a silver medal at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle and an honorary diploma at the 1901 Glasgow Exhibition. In 1906, the Shemarins were appointed official suppliers to the Shah of Persia, a distinction shared by only a handful of firms worldwide. A year later, they produced several miniature samovars for Emperor Nicholas II.

The factory’s hallmark was variety and precision: more than a hundred models were made, ranging from traditional coal samovars to alcohol-burning and silver-plated types. Each was inspected personally by the eldest brother before leaving the workshop — a testament to their commitment to excellence.

Starting price: 600€
Estimate: 800-1000€
Hammer Price: 600€

Imperial Russian Samovar
By the Buch Brothers (Gebrüder Buch), Warsaw, mid–19th century
Silver-plated brass
Height: 43.5 cm

A rare samovar crafted by the Buch Brothers manufactory, operating in Warsaw during the period when Poland was part of the Russian Empire. This example, distinguished by its sculptural form and intricate metalwork, represents one of the few surviving samovars attributed to this renowned maker.

The body is pear-shaped with narrow vertical fluting. The domed lid, decorated with alternating wide and narrow ovals, merges seamlessly with a conical, pierced chimney. The spout and supports are richly ornamented with vegetal motifs, while the handles — composed of paired, upward-curving elements — imitate stylized plant stems. The baluster-shaped base rests on four circular feet, giving the piece a graceful silhouette.

The Gebrüder Buch firm was first mentioned in 1809, when it established a workshop in St. Petersburg for the production of buttons and metal decorations for military uniforms. Its later owners, Agaton Buch and Karl Ludwig Mauss, were awarded a gold medal by Emperor Alexander II in 1865 for “Diligence and Artistry.”

In the 1860s, Buch and Mauss purchased the Henniger silver-plating factory located at Żelazna Street No. 1146 in Warsaw, marking a new chapter in the company’s history. Their products soon gained recognition for exceptional quality and design. At the Moscow Polytechnic Exhibition of 1872, the Buch Brothers received a gold medal and the right to use the Russian Imperial double-headed eagle emblem on their wares — a privilege granted only to distinguished suppliers.

In 1882, the company merged with its long-time trade partner Norblin & Co., forming the Joint Stock Company of Metal Factories Norblin, Buch Brothers & T. Werner (N.B.W.), one of the most important metallurgical enterprises in Warsaw

Starting price: 7000€
Estimate: 8000-10000€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

A Rare Russian Imperial Brass Samovar in Neoclassical Form – Late 19th Century.
Height: 51.5 cm.

This exquisite Russian Imperial brass samovar, dating from the late 19th century, showcases the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. Designed in a refined neoclassical style, the samovar is a stunning example of Russian artistry and tradition. Its beautifully polished brass body features intricate details that embody the neoclassical aesthetic, making it a standout piece for any collector or connoisseur of Russian antiques.

The samovar bears the maker’s mark of the prestigious I. Kaprizin and Sons manufactory, renowned for producing high-quality metalworks in Tula, the historical center of Russian samovar production. This adds significant provenance and authenticity to the piece, further elevating its value.

Starting price: 10000€
Estimate: 12000-15000€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Unique and Rare Travel Samovar by the Gudkov Brothers, Tula.
Second Half of the 19th Century
Height (without pipe): 39.5 cm

Starting price: 2500€
Estimate: 3000-3500€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€

Anatoly Nikiforovich Yarr-Kravchenko (1911–1983) – Gorky Reads the Fairy Tale “The Girl and Death”
1940s – Early 1950s (Based on the original 1940 painting)
Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 195 x 150 cm

Starting price: 500€
Estimate: 750-1000€
Hammer Price: 850€