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TUMBLER FROM THE COTTAGE SERVICE (ONE OF 14)

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

On view in: Russian Porcelain Room


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 bowl of the tumbler is elaborately cut in a pattern divided into three zones. The uppermost consists of a fine diamond pattern made of intersecting lines. Reserves in the shape of lozenges and circles have been ground into the diamond pattern and alternate about the body. Below this is a band of leaves cut and polished into extremely fluid forms. The final, lowest section is cut into a heavy diamond pattern. The pattern on the front of the tumbler has been ground down and affixed atop this is a shield in blue glass rimmed in gilt. In the center is a silvered sword with gilt handle. The sword stands upright and pierces a wreath of white roses finely detailed in pale pink and interspersed with green leaves. Around the edge of the shield is the motto "For Faith, Tsar, and Fatherland" in gilt Cyrillic cursive. The underside of the tumbler is cut in a fine star shape that reaches the edge of the base. This piece is part of the Cottage Service and was made for use at the Alexandria, or Gothic, Cottage at Peterhof.

Object name:
TUMBLER FROM THE COTTAGE SERVICE (ONE OF 14)
Made from:
Glass -- enamel -- gilding
Made in:
Saint Petersburg, Russia
Date made:
After 1829
Size:
7.6 cm (3 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
23.53.12
Class:
GLASS
Signature marks:
INSCRIPTION Za veru, Tsaria i Otechestvo. In gilt cursive on blue glass shield on front of glass. Trans: "For Faith, Tsar, and Fatherland"
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973