CIRCA 1800, POSSIBLY FROM THE IMPERIAL GLASS FACTORY

With their cut-glass bodies embellished with intricate wreathed-cartouches, these vases are fine examples of the output of the Imperial Glass factory. They are distinguished by their delicate mounts, which are ambitiously ornamental in their combination of swans, putti and stiff-leaf decoration. They date to the early 19th century when the Secretary of the Russian Cabinet, D. A. Gur'yev, instigated a number of reforms to organise glass production and drive for higher quality. The architect Thomas de Thomon was invited to take the newly created post of chief designer at the Imperial Glassworks in 1804, establishing a legacy for creative design and quality that was continued after his death by Karl Rossi and then Ivan Ivanov.