A gem-set silver and ceramic vase, Imperial Stroganov School, Moscow, 1906

of pear form, the earthenware body with turquoise-coloured glaze, overlaid with Art Nouveau flowers and swirls set with small polished stones, engraved with signature and date O. Troitskii/ 1906, the base with impressed marks for Stroganov and date mark for 1903, the silver struck ISU beneath the Imperial eagle, 84 standard

Excellent 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."

The Stroganov School was founded in Moscow by Count Sergei Grigoryevich Stroganov in 1825 and became officially the Imperial Stroganov Central Institute for Industrial Art in 1901, when it was placed under the patronage of the Empress’ sister, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna.  Students followed an eight-year course of study and were encouraged to create their own designs in addition to copying well-known works of art.  Under the direction of Georgy Monakhov, the Imperial Stroganov School's ceramic workshop experimented extensively with new glazes that simulated the colour and texture of other materials including metal, gems or wood.  For a Fabergé-mounted Stroganov ceramic kovsh glazed to look like wood, please see Sotheby's New York, 16 April 2008, lot 403.  The body of the present lot has been glazed to imitate the colour of turquoise.  The workshop won a gold medal at the Paris exhibition of 1900 for its ceramics.  Today, the school is officially Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry.