535 - Lomonosov Ensemble, Ten Cups and Twelve Saucers, Cobalt Blue with Gilt Decoration, Russia

Lomonosov Ensemble, Ten Cups and Twelve Saucers, Cobalt Blue with Gilt Decoration, Russia Porcelain, cobalt-blue ground, rich gilt decoration, glazed. Extensive ensemble by the tradition-rich Russian porcelain manufactory Lomonosov (State Porcelain Manufactory St Petersburg), comprising ten cups and twelve saucers. The deep, saturated cobalt ground extends over cups and saucers and is decorated with a continuous printed design in the form of gilt tendrils, net-like interlaced bands, garlands, floral sprigs and gilt rims, which stand out particularly effectively against the dark ground. One of the cups additionally bears a Cyrillic congratulatory inscription executed in gold (Pozdravlyayu, 'Congratulations') and was thus intended as a gift piece. The undersides with the Lomonosov manufactory mark. Cups and saucers with occasional glaze and colour flaws as well as traces of use, age-appropriate condition, cup H. 7 cm. The State Porcelain Manufactory in St Petersburg was founded in 1744 under Tsarina Elizabeth and ranks among the oldest and most important manufactories in Europe; since 1925 it has borne the name of the polymath Mikhail Lomonosov. The combination of deep cobalt blue and rich gilt decoration stands in the tradition of the tsarist ceremonial services and to this day shapes the unmistakable appearance of Lomonosov porcelain. The Cyrillic congratulatory inscription on one of the cups points to the Russian custom of marking festive occasions with specially inscribed pieces of porcelain. A decorative and extensive ensemble for collectors and lovers of Russian porcelain.