Lot 0165
Interesting Desk Set in the Memory of French Russian Alliance
Estimate: 500-700€
An interesting Russian desk set commemorating the Franco-Russian Alliance (1891–1894).
Porcelain, polychrome painting.
Height: 26.5 cm.
The composition depicts two soldiers — one French, the other Russian — standing together in a friendly handshake, symbolizing the military and political union between the two nations at the end of the 19th century. The French soldier is dressed in a grey-blue tunic and red trousers, while the Russian wears a dark green uniform with red shoulder boards and a fur cap. At their feet lie a drum and a cannon barrel, linking the scene to a martial setting.
The piece likely served as a desk accessory, combining decorative and symbolic purposes. Such objects were produced in Russia around the time of the Franco-Russian Alliance, a pivotal event that reshaped the European balance of power before World War I.
The alliance, formalized between 1891 and 1894, united Republican France and Imperial Russia in mutual defense against the growing threat of Germany and Austria-Hungary. It marked the beginning of the diplomatic configuration later known as the Triple Entente.
This porcelain figure embodies the spirit of solidarity and goodwill between the two nations and stands as a vivid example of late 19th-century commemorative art, blending political symbolism with the charm of genre porcelain sculpture.
Starting price: 400€
Estimate: 500-700€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€
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Lot 0166
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Estimate: 2500-3000€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.
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Lot 0167
Russian Porcelain Gold and Cobalt Painted Service
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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.
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Lot 0164
Rare Russian Porcelain, Gilded and Painting Vase in Chinoiserie Style. Period of Emperor Nikolay I
Estimate: 3000-3500€
Lot 0164
Rare Russian Porcelain, Gilded and Painting Vase in Chinoiserie Style. Period of Emperor Nikolay I
Estimate: 3000-3500€A rare Russian porcelain vase richly gilded and hand-painted in the chinoiserie style.
Attributed to the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, St. Petersburg, period of Emperor Nicholas I (1825–1855).
Height: 37 cm.This elaborately decorated vase exemplifies the luxurious taste of the Nicholas I era, when the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory produced highly ornamental pieces influenced by both European neoclassicism and oriental decorative traditions.
The body is designed in a classical krater shape, with a flaring scalloped rim and twin handles modeled as mythological masks. The surface is divided into vertical panels featuring figures in oriental costumes, alternating with floral and bird motifs painted in vivid enamels over a black ground. The lower section is adorned with raised oval medallions in imitation of gemstones, surrounded by delicate gilded beading. The square base continues the floral theme with richly detailed bouquets and gold foliage.
Such works were often produced in small numbers for imperial residences or court presentation gifts. The combination of black background, multicolored enamels, and lavish gilding reflects the fascination with East Asian art that spread across Europe in the early 19th century.
A closely related example is known from Litfund Auction No. 175 (August 29, 2019, Lot 5), confirming this vase’s association with the St. Petersburg Imperial Porcelain Manufactory and its refined artistry of the Nicholas I period.
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Lot 0163
Pair of Russian Porcelain Vases with a Floral Decoration by Gardner
Estimate: 1000-1200€
Lot 0163
Pair of Russian Porcelain Vases with a Floral Decoration by Gardner
Estimate: 1000-1200€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.
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Starting price: 800€
Estimate: 1000-1200€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€