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DECANTER FROM THE COTTAGE SERVICE, ONE OF SIX

Creator(s): V. A. Zhukovskii (Designer) , Imperial Glass Manufactory (Manufacturer)

Currently in storage


About this object

In late 1829 or early 1830 the Imperial Glassworks began production of a new service for use at Alexandria, the small summer cottage built by the reigning Emperor Nicholas I (r. 1825-55) for his wife Alexandra Fedorovna at Peterhof, their imperial estate. The service is decorated with the coat of arms used throughout the Alexandria Cottage—a sword within a wreath of white roses and green leaves set against a blue shield above the motto: “For Faith, Tsar and Fatherland” (“Za veru, tsaria, i otechestvo”). They are referred to as the “Cottage Service” as they were only used at this one imperial residence.

The body of the decanter is elaborately cut in a pattern divided into three zones. The uppermost consists of a very finely cut diamond pattern relieved by alternating circles and chevrons of polished glass. Below this is a band of leaves cut and polished into fluid forms. The final, lowest section is cut in a diamond pattern similar to the upper section but much heavier. The neck of the decanter is channeled and embellished by two proper knops. The shape of the stopper, which seems to be a later marriage, is an upside-down drop shape. It is cut with a star pattern alternating with sunbursts, includes a decorative bubble within, and is channeled around the base. Base of the decanter is cut in a sunburst pattern. The decanter has no identifying factory marks.

Object name:
DECANTER FROM THE COTTAGE SERVICE, ONE OF SIX
Made from:
Glass -- enamel -- gilding
Made in:
Saint Petersburg, Russia
Date made:
After 1829
Size:
18.7 cm (7 3/8 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
23.50.5-6
Class:
GLASS
Signature marks:
INSCRIPTION "Za veru, tsaria i otechestvo" (For Faith, Tsar, and Fatherland) In gilt on blue glass on front of decanter. mark "29" number is incised on the bottom of the stopper Stopper is a later addition and is not original to the decanter
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973