A Russian Porcelain Plate from the Kremlin Service Imperial Porcelain Factory, St. Petersburg, Period of Nicholas I (1825-1855) 9-3/4 inches (24.8 cm) PROVENANCE: John Atzbach Antiques, Bellevue, Washington; The Kathleen Durdin Collection of Russian Decorative Arts, Tampa, Florida. Commissioned by Emperor Nicholas I for the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, the Kremlin Service is the epitome of Russian romantic nationalism. Designed for coronations and court events, the Kremlin Service was last used in 1913 during the Tercentenary celebration of the Romanov dynasty. Sol'ntsev drew inspiration from enamel and gold plates from the period of Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich, and the dessert plates bear the inscription "Nicholas Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias." The service consists of two parts: the White Service for soup and dinner, and the Gold Service for dessert. Made for 500 guests, it includes 2,000 dinner plates, 1,000 soup plates, and 1,000 dessert plates, showcasing the opulence of imperial Russian ceremonial tableware. The offered lot belongs to the former. Property from the Kathleen Durdin Collection HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved