26 November 2014 Russian Art Auctions
26 November 2014
322. A PORCELAIN EASTER EGG
PRIVATE PORCELAIN MANUFACTORY, 19TH TO EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Height 11.5 cm.
1,800–2,500 GBP
Related literature: For similar iconography, see M. Bubchikova, Imperatorskie farforovye paskhalnye yaitsa iz kollektsii Galiny Oistrakh i Aleksandra Tischenko, Moscow, Pinakoteka, pp. 38–39, 200–201, cat. 85.
Ovoid, the front painted with an image of St. Nicholas wearing green robes and depicted casting a purse of gold coins through a chamber window, the reverse with a richly decorated cross with radiating gold
rays, both within intertwined dark burgundy coloured bands embellished with a stylised foliate garland, unmarked.
The iconography of St Nicholas, used on the present lot and also found on some Imperial porcelain eggs, reflects the painting from the Vladimir Cathedral in Kiev, by M. Nesterov. A saint is depicted leaving a purse of gold on the window ledge for three girls to save them from poverty and sale into slavery (“The Miracle of the Dowry”). This gesture is closely connected to the perception of St Nicholas as the original Father Christmas. Evidently, such rare iconography of the saint became popular in 1890s.
Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
Ω Indicates 20% Import Duty Charge applies.
§ Indicates Artist's Resale Right applies.
† Indicates Standard VAT scheme applies, and the rate of 20% VAT will be charged on both hammer price and premium.