A Russian Gilded Silver and Enamel Pictorial Cigarette Case, Khlebnikov, Moscow, circa 1910

of rounded rectangular shape, the cover finely painted with a seated old man playing the bandura before a cloud-covered lake, the borders with trailing flowers and beetles reminiscent of the borders of Ivan Bilibin's illustrations, the back with conforming decoration including fanciful peacocks and an interlace initial in a circular reserve, the interior gilded, with cabochon hardstone thumbpiece

some scratches and a small loss to the top layer of enamel on the bandura player's sleeve, very tiny chips to one peacock's tail, the inside back cover has been rubbed down to remove an inscription
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.