A Russian Porcelain Basket from the Service for the Imperial Order of St. Vladimir, Gardner Porcelain Manufactory, Verbilki, 1783-1785

of circular, tapering form, the sides pierced and gilded, the undulating gilded rim molded in a chain pattern, the exterior molded with the red and black moiré sash of the Order, with sculpted and gilded crosses of the order set on opposite sides of the basket, the ribbons ending in a molded bow knot set below the handles painted green to resemble freshly woven branches, the center of the interior painted with the star of the order with the Cyrillic motto Polza, chest i slava (Usefulness, Honor and Glory).

Sotheby's New York, December 15, 1987, lot 202, illustrated

some small wear
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.

In 1782, five years after Catherine's Cabinet had ordered the first three of the Order Services, the Empress founded the Order of St. Vladimir, in part to mark the twentieth anniversary of her accession to the throne. For the new order, her Cabinet ordered the largest service thus far with a total of 120 covers. Credited with having brought Christianity to Russia, Prince Vladimir was canonized by the Orthodox church and was called "equal to the apostles." In Russian, this is rendered as Sviatoi Ravnoapostolnyi Kniaz Vladimir and thus the Cyrillic letters SRKV appear on the star depicted at the center of each plate. The Service for the Order of St. Vladimir was first used at the Winter Palace at the ceremony held on the saint's feast day, September 22, 1785.