** A gem-set gold and silver-gilt mounted hardstone Presentation Frame

BY BOLIN, WORKMASTER NIKOLAI CHERNOKOV, ST. PETERSBURG, 1908-1917

Details

** A gem-set gold and silver-gilt mounted hardstone Presentation Frame
by Bolin, workmaster Nikolai Chernokov, St. Petersburg, 1908-1917
Square, the centre with an oval glazed portrait miniature of Nicholas II with diamond surround, on a circular gold ground applied with gem-set foliage and flower wreath and surmounted by a crown, within a further circular border of polished nephrite set in the square rhodonite frame applied at the angles with diamond and rose-diamond ribbon-tied flower and foliage garlands with a gemset foliate design at each side, the ivory back with silver-gilt strut formed as a crowned cypher for Nicholas II, marked on rims and strutt, in silk-lined red leather fitted presentation case, the cover applied with an Imperial eagle, stamped inside in Russian 'K. E. Bolin Jeweller to the Court St. Petersburg' with Imperial warrant
4in. (11.5cm.) square

Provenance

Ren Viviani, Prime Minister of France

Engraved

Object is still with Customs, will be arriving in New York shortly. Tiny crack on top right side (see photo). Miniature is a bit worn at beard. A proper condition report will be available on Monday.

Lot Essay

According to recent research this table ornament was bought by the Emperor's Cabinet on 18 April 1914 for 2000 rubles, and with the portrait of Nicholas II by Vasilii Zuev, costing a further 200 rubles, was given later to the French Prime Minister. It is recorded that Bolin made only four such table ornaments for the Imperial Cabinet.

We would like to thank Valentin Skurlov for his help in researching this lot.