A silver-gilt and cloisonné enamel kovsh, Ivan Saltykov, Moscow, 1899-1908

decorated with shaded stylised flowers and leaf scrolls on a stippled ground within blue dot borders, the underside engraved with Cyrillic initials VAM, 84 standard

In good overall condition consistent with age.
"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."

One of the most famous pre-revolutionary dynasties of merchants in Russia was the Konshin family. Dating back to the 18^th century that last name was already well known in the merchant circles. In the 1840's, Nikolai Maksimovich Konshin was one of the first to build a textile factory in the country. Over 200 years the Konshins went from being simple provincial merchants to nation-wide textile magnates. By the 1870's, the business spread across borders and the family owned cotton plantations in Turkmenistan. The high quality textiles were even presented at the Paris World Fair in 1878. Following these events, the Konshins were awarded with hereditary nobility for the contributions to the country's industry in 1882. His second son, Nikolai Nikolaevich married Nina Alexandrovna Okromchedelova, who was of princely Georgian descent. She was closely linked to the Tretyakov brothers, big art connoisseurs whose collection is now in the Gallery bearing the same name in Moscow. Nina Konshina was one of the first woman lawyers in Moscow and one of her clients was Alexander Kenrenski. It was with his help that she managed to obtain a visa in 1918 and travelled to Europe passing by the Caspian sea and Iran. The present lot, as well as lot 421, 431, 458, 460, 462, 464, 476, 481, 538 and 677 were acquired by the Konshin family.