A silver and champlevé enamel covered bowl, Pavel Ovchinnikov, Moscow, 1875

the circular bowl held within an elaborate cast and chased trompe l'eoil stand decorated with fruits, flowers, and a sheaf of corn, the rim of the bowl bordered with an inscription in Old-Church Cyrillic Not nutritious without bread, not delicious without salt, within champlevé enamel strap-work, the domed cover with similar enamel ornament and globular finial, the whole supported on a basketweave base, 91 and 84 standards 

Some losses to the blue enamel on the border above the word 'Salt', on the foliage decoration to the left of the word 'Delicious', and on the outside border of the lid. Black oxide marks inside the bowl, tiny scratches on the metal throughout, wear to the gilding consistent with the age and use, but overall in very good condition.
"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."

This lot is a lovely example of how Pavel Ovchinnikov adapted and updated old Russian designs. The form of this bratina is atypical and yet it is decorated in the manner defined by Postnikova-Loseva; bordered with inscribed morals or directions for use.