CIRCA 1820-1830, ATTRIBUTED TO THE IMPERIAL GLASS FACTORY, ST. PETERSBURG

Embellished with an intricate pattern to the cut-glass body, this splendid ormolu-mounted vase is a fine example of the output of the Imperial Glass Manufactory around 1810-1820. The artistic director or 'inventor' of the factory is thought to have provided the designs for these items himself. From 1813 to 1819 this post was held by the architect Karl Rossi, who was succeeded by Ivan Ivanov, active as director until 1848. Either of them may have been responsible for the current example. (A. Gaydamak, Russian Empire, Moscow, 2000, p. 90). The handles of the current vase, decorated with feeding doves, are identical to those of a bowl of red glass, which was part of the personal belongings of Emperor Nicolas I and his wife at the Winter Palace (N. Asharina et. al., Russian Glass, Moscow, 1990, p. 163, no. 35).