Lot 0044
Porcelain Tobacco Pipe, The Bowl Finely Painted with a Miniature Scene of the Battle of Berezina (1812)
Estimate: 600-800€
A porcelain tobacco pipe, the bowl finely painted with a miniature scene of the Battle of Berezina (1812) between Napoleon’s retreating army and Russian forces. The decoration is heightened with gilding, the mount fitted with a metal rim.
Material: porcelain, painting, metal.
Dimensions: 13 × 3.5 cm.
The pipe bowl is made in the most famous porcelain pipe form, the stummel — an oval bowl with a knob heel and a short stem, originally derived from the Gouda clay pipe. Its shape made it especially suitable for miniature painting, and from around 1780 workshops such as Meissen and the Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur in Berlin perfected the art of lifelike decoration, often based on contemporary engravings. Painted subjects included portraits, landscapes, and historical events such as the Napoleonic Wars.
Such stummel pipes were highly valued as gifts, sometimes inscribed with the names of donor and recipient, and decorated with imagery reflecting the recipient’s interests or family crest. This example, with its depiction of the Battle of Berezina, belongs to that tradition of commemorative and collectible painted porcelain pipes.
Starting price: 500€
Estimate: 600-800€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€
Related Lots
-
Lot 0045
Boucheron.Tray-Ashtray With a Figure of a Naiad
Estimate: 3500-4500€
Lot 0045
Boucheron.Tray-Ashtray With a Figure of a Naiad
Estimate: 3500-4500€Boucheron. Tray-Ashtray with a Figure of a Naiad
Silver, casting, gilding Signed by the sculptor: H-Bvrdy. Makers mark of «Boucheron Paris», 1900s. Dimensions: 13 x 8.5 x 4 cm. Total weight: 398.4 g.
The model of this tray-ashtray, created after designs by the renowned sculptor Henri Burdy, presents an elegant composition centered on the graceful figure of a Naiad, daughter of Zeus and nymph of a spring. Her body, seemingly woven of light, harmonizes with the refined silver surface.
Founded in 1858 by Frédéric Prudent Boucheron (1830–1902), the celebrated jewelry house not only produced elite jewels but also crafted artistic silver objects in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, including cigarette cases, card holders, and ashtrays. In 1893, the firm established its flagship boutique at 26 Place Vendôme, Paris, where it remains to this day.
Henri Auguste Burdy (1833–1911), a French sculptor and engraver born in Grenoble, studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 1863 he received the second Grand Prix de Rome for his medal Bacchus Forcing a Panther to Drink, which revealed his gift for refined plasticity and mastery of small-scale form. His portrait medals, busts, and statuettes were widely recognized and exhibited at leading art salons. From the late 19th century, Burdy worked extensively in gemstone carving, creating unique pieces that combined jeweler’s precision with sculptural expressiveness. Among his distinguished commissions were works for the House of Boucheron. Notable creations include an emerald lion’s head mounted in a gold buckle with repoussé figures of two panthers, as well as an emerald carved with the head of Julius Caesar, traditionally linked to the collection of Napoleon III.Starting price: 3000€
Estimate: 3500-4500€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€ -
Lot 0046
Fabergé Silver Wallet, Neo-Classical Style, Moscow, 1908–1917
Estimate: 2500-3500€
Lot 0046
Fabergé Silver Wallet, Neo-Classical Style, Moscow, 1908–1917
Estimate: 2500-3500€Faberge. Silver wallet in neo-classical style.
Silver, gold, chasing, gilding, semi-precious stones. Dimensions: 16.5 x 7.3 x 2.7 cm. Total weight: 256.3 g.
Makers mark of «K. Faberge» with Imperial warrant. Moscow, 1908-1917.
Rectangular silver wallet with hinged lid. The cover is decorated with a cast garland encircling a monogram. In the corner, a gold applique with a name «Allia» inscription and a applied gold sign with a flower incrust with turquoise cabochons.Starting price: 2000€
Estimate: 2500-3500€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€ -
Lot 0043
Silver-Gilt and Champleve Enamel Ashtray by Emil Radke
Estimate: 600-800€
Lot 0043
Silver-Gilt and Champleve Enamel Ashtray by Emil Radke
Estimate: 600-800€An interesting silver-gilt and champlevé enamel ashtray, decorated with polychrome enamel motifs and intricate floral engraving. Maker’s mark of Emil Radke, Minsk, 1894. Marked Radke 84.
Diameter: 11 cm.
Weight: 150.6 g.Emil Radke was one of the most prominent silversmiths in Minsk at the end of the 19th century, regarded as the second-best master of his time. A deeply religious Jew, he strictly observed all Jewish traditions and rituals. His workshop produced refined silver objects in the fashionable Art Nouveau style, often combining gilding, niello, and enamel.
This ashtray is a fine example of Radke’s craftsmanship and an excellent collectible piece for enthusiasts of Russian and Eastern European Art Nouveau silver.
Starting price: 500€
Estimate: 600-800€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€ -
Lot 0042
Interesting Russian Fine Lacquer and Malachite Incrustation Cigar Box In The Form of a Book
Estimate: 1500-2500€
Lot 0042
Interesting Russian Fine Lacquer and Malachite Incrustation Cigar Box In The Form of a Book
Estimate: 1500-2500€A Russian Cigar Box with a Russian Lacquer Plaque by Vishnyakov (?) manufactory.
Fedoskino (?), second half of the 19th century
Lacquer panel, leather, malachite mounts, gilded metal
Dimensions: 23 × 20 × 6 cmThe lid features an oval lacquer miniature of a peasant couple offering bread and salt with produce. The album’s binding is framed with malachite panels and gilded metal and fitted with a clasp. A striking combination of Russian lacquer painting and stone-inlaid décor from the late 19th century.
PROVENANCE:
Sotheby’s London, 28th November 1991, lot 849Starting price: 1300€
Estimate: 1500-2500€
Hammer Price: 2750€