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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. Base of the decanter is cut in a sunburst pattern. The decanter has no identifying factory marks. The stopper, which is not original to the piece, is topped with a large and heavy faceted ball decorated with gilt on the uppermost facet and about the base.

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:
22.5 cm (8 7/8 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
23.50.7-8
Class:
GLASS
Signature marks:
INSCRIPTION "Za veru, tsaria i otechestvo" (For Faith, Tsar, and Fatherland) In gilt on blue glass shield on front of decanter. mark "18" Painted on the base of the stopper. The stopper is a later marriage and is not original to the piece.
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973