Lot Essay
This cup is unique, with no comparable examples in any other collection of porcelain. The cup's decoration, with its free artistic composition and sumptuous floral motifs, is a further elaboration on the ornament of the Cabinet Service - something that is wholly unique.
Archival documents confirm that the Empress Maria Feodorovna was presented with cups produced by the Imperial Porcelain Factory. These items were decorated with floral motifs against a gilt background, the only difference being that they featured 'Italian views'. The extant documents do not confirm any references to dates or the accompanying circumstances of the presentation of the cup in question. However, the unprecedented wealth of decoration and the meticulous and elaborate quality of the execution of the cup, including the gold and ciselé mark, undoubtedly indicate that this cup - a masterpiece of St Petersburg 18th century porcelain - was an Imperial commission.
Archival documents confirm that the Empress Maria Feodorovna was presented with cups produced by the Imperial Porcelain Factory. These items were decorated with floral motifs against a gilt background, the only difference being that they featured 'Italian views'. The extant documents do not confirm any references to dates or the accompanying circumstances of the presentation of the cup in question. However, the unprecedented wealth of decoration and the meticulous and elaborate quality of the execution of the cup, including the gold and ciselé mark, undoubtedly indicate that this cup - a masterpiece of St Petersburg 18th century porcelain - was an Imperial commission.