Emperor Nicholas II: A Russian Imperial Presentation Shaded Cloisonné Enameled Gilt Silver Cup and Cover Ovchinnikov, Feodor Rückert marks overstruck on flange, Moscow, before 1899 13-3/4 x 4-1/4 inches (34.9 x 10.8 cm) 802 grams PROVENANCE: Presented on behalf of Emperor Nicholas II at Compiegne (Oise), July 14, 1902, to "Uruguay" belonging to M. Pichard (Ch. Bassigny); Thence likely by descent; With León Grinberg, A La Vieille Russie, Paris, circa 1953; Sotheby's New York, Important Silver, Russian Works of Art and Objets de Vertu, October 22, 2002, lot 309; An important California collection, acquired from the above; John Atzbach Antiques, Bellevue, Washington, acquired from the above; Acquired from the above by the present owner. This extraordinary covered cup from the Ovchinnikov firm by the enameller Feodor Rückert is engraved in French upon the foot: Prix de S. M. le Tsar / Compiègne (Oise) 14 Juillet 1902. Accompanying documentation from the 1950's notes that this work was presented by Emperor Nicholas II to the winner of a prestigious horse race. While the Emperor did not present the trophy in person, the covered cup with its exceptionally fine enamel and gilded double-headed eagle was presented on His Majesty's behalf along with 1200 francs to the winner: "Uruguay" a thoroughbred belonging to one Monsieur Pichard. Nicholas II and his wife, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna made their first visit to France together in 1896, and returned to visit Dunkurque, Compiègne, Reims and Paris from September 18-21 in 1901. In January of 1902, France's President Loubet reciprocated the visit, and was handsomely received in St. Petersburg. Whenever Nicholas II traveled abroad he did not go empty-handed. Events were scheduled well in advance and the Imperial Cabinet would order objects for presentation to everyone from foreign relatives and their suites, to diplomats, politicians, business leaders, security staff, ship captains, clerics, train conductors, stationmasters and even doormen received gifts if their paths crossed that of a member of the Imperial suite. These would occasionally be engraved or personalized for presentation, but usually, specific types of objects at specific price points were designated for people depending on their rank and the specific occasion. For a compelling survey of presentation practices at the turn of the century, see Tillander-Godenhielm, U. The Russian Imperial Award System 1894-1917, Finnish Antiquarian Society: Helsinki, 2005. The offered lot may have been left by the Imperial Suite at the end of 1901, or they may have hade the cup specifically engraved and sent the cup back for presentation in 1902. In either case, the crowd at the races at Compiègne knew that this covered cup was a gift from the Emperor, and contemporary papers made note of its extraordinary quality: "The work of art offered by H.M. the Tsar was exhibited in front of the grandstand. Everyone admired the artistry of the trophy...in spite of the scorching heat, the tiers of the paddock were filled with numerous spectators." ( Progrès de l'Oise, July 16, 1902) Masterpieces of Russian Enamel from an Important American Collection HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved