A Russian porcelain egg, Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, St Petersburg, circa 1860

the central reserve painted with the Resurrection of Christ and inscribed in Russian above, the gilt reverse ciselé with sunburst, floral borders, signed with initials AS (Cyrillic), with original silk ribbon

Generally good condition, with scratches to the gilding, most noticeable where the gilding has been burnished. Considerable wear to the floral borders of the painted reserve. Small firing flaws at the base. The ribbon fraying and very faded.
"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."

For a cache pot of 1855-1881 painted by this as-yet-unidentified porcelain artist AS, please see V. Znamenova, Imperatorskii farforovyi zavod, 1744-1904, St Petersburg, 2008, p. 521.  A nearly identical egg dated 1850s-1860s and signed with Cyrillic initials ZhA is in the collection of the Hermitage, St Petersburg, and is illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, Imperial Easter Eggs, Copenhagen, 1994, no. 45, pp. 80, 85.