- 86
A BERLIN (K.P.M.) PORCELAIN AND SILVER-GILT-MOUNTED FLATWARE FROM THE DESSERT SERVICE MADE FOR TZARINA CATHERINE II OF RUSSIA |
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
- circa 1770-72
each haft of baluster form, moulded with stiff leaves, scrolling foliate and swag ornament, each painted by Johann Balthasar Borrmann, to both sides with soldiers and Turks in landscape and in encampments, between gilt scale pattern sections comprising: two table knives, two table forks and two table spoons
Condition
Overall of good appearance. One knife handle has a vertical crack running along the edge of one vignette for most of the length of the handle. Of the two forks, one has a faint hairline crack extending from the low edge of one vignette and curving out towards the center of the panel. No damages to spoons. Some light general rubbing to the gilding, slight wear to the moulded sections and slight variations in colour to the green swags on the lower part of the handle.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
LITERATURE
Georg Lenz, Berliner Porzellna, die manufaktur Friedrich des Grosses 1763-1786, Berlin, 1913, Vol. II, pls 76 and 86, and Lenz, ibid., Vol. I, p. 11 for a discussion of the service.
Erich Köllmann, Berliner Porzellan 1763-1963, Braunschweig, 1963, pls 94 and 101b
Erich Köllmann and Margaret Jarchow, Berliner Porzellan, Munich, 1987, Vol. I, p. 50, fig. 20 and Vol. II, p. 416, fig. 248l. The present lot formed part of a service given by Frederick the Great to Catherine II during her first war with the Ottoman Empire (1768-1774). The war had greatly increased Russian power and influence in Crimea and the Black Sea and Prussia would have been acutely aware of the growing strength of the Russian Empire along Europe’s eastern and southern border and the potential threat to peace in Europe.
Frederick and Catherine appear to have been well disposed to each other in marked contrast to the relationship between Frederick and Catherine’s mother -in-law, Empress Elizabeth. The commissioning of a service followed the gift of a black fox fur to Frederick from the Tzarina. The service included a large and ornate figural centrepiece showing the enthroned Catherine receiving homage from her vanquished enemies.
Georg Lenz, Berliner Porzellna, die manufaktur Friedrich des Grosses 1763-1786, Berlin, 1913, Vol. II, pls 76 and 86, and Lenz, ibid., Vol. I, p. 11 for a discussion of the service.
Erich Köllmann, Berliner Porzellan 1763-1963, Braunschweig, 1963, pls 94 and 101b
Erich Köllmann and Margaret Jarchow, Berliner Porzellan, Munich, 1987, Vol. I, p. 50, fig. 20 and Vol. II, p. 416, fig. 248l. The present lot formed part of a service given by Frederick the Great to Catherine II during her first war with the Ottoman Empire (1768-1774). The war had greatly increased Russian power and influence in Crimea and the Black Sea and Prussia would have been acutely aware of the growing strength of the Russian Empire along Europe’s eastern and southern border and the potential threat to peace in Europe.
Frederick and Catherine appear to have been well disposed to each other in marked contrast to the relationship between Frederick and Catherine’s mother -in-law, Empress Elizabeth. The commissioning of a service followed the gift of a black fox fur to Frederick from the Tzarina. The service included a large and ornate figural centrepiece showing the enthroned Catherine receiving homage from her vanquished enemies.