Lot 360
Rare Czar Nicholas II Lacquer and Paper Maché Box, Excellent Provenance. Rare Russian lacquer box given as a gift to Marjorie Merriweather Post (socialite, philanthropist, and at the time, the wealthiest woman in the world) and Joseph E. Davies between 1937-1938 while living in the Soviet Union, where he served as the second American ambassador to the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. During this time, Davis and Post acquired Russian works of art and treasures from Soviet authorities, including Stalin, seized from the Romanov family and former Russian aristocrats after the Revolution to help fund the country's industrialization. The box was subsequently given by Post to her granddaughter, Terry Huntingdon Tyclings, California's first Miss USA and a television actress. The box measures 7 x 5 x 3", and is decorated with gilt paint and mother-of-pearl in a scene of Russian folk dance and a balalaika player. Inside the lid, the Coat of Arms of the Russian Empire is surrounded by the most delicate engraving of the artist's name. The box displays some wear from the years and crazing throughout; nevertheless, it is still in splendid condition with the hinges of the box and lid still very tight and secure. The deep burgundy lacquer finish inside the box is quite fine. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500
From The Estate of Joseph E. Davies.
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| Realized $1,440 |
