Bidspirit auction | Late 19th Century M. S.

Late 19th Century M. S. Kuznetsov Partnership Russian Porcelain Figural Ram Box - A Russian porcelain two-piece figural box or butter dish formed as a recumbent ram or bighorn sheep. The vessel is constructed of white porcelain with a molded, textured surface simulating wool across the body. The piece features hand-painted decoration, with a mottled black sponge-applied pattern across the back and flanks, a solid black muzzle, and fine black lines defining the eyes. Traces of gilt accents are visible on the curved horns. The upper portion, comprising the head and back, serves as a lid for the hollowed base. The underside of the base features a blue underglaze printed mark consisting of a double-headed imperial eagle crest with a crown, positioned above an arched Cyrillic inscription that reads M. S. KUZNETSOVA followed by a small Cyrillic F. This mark identifies the piece as a product of the M. S. Kuznetsov Partnership, a prominent imperial-era Russian porcelain manufacturer. Height: 5 1/2 inches. The porcelain is in good overall condition with no visible chips, cracks, or professional repairs. There is significant surface wear to the hand-painted decoration, with the black pigment appearing rubbed, thinned, or lost in multiple areas across the back and sides (photo 1). The gilt accents on the horns show heavy wear and loss (photo 7). The unglazed rims of the lid and base exhibit shelf wear and dark surface soiling (photo 6). Scattered dark spots and minor pitting in the glaze are visible on the interior and the underside of the base (photo 2 and 3).