4 June 2014 Russian Art Auctions
4 June 2014
* 591. A METAL-MOUNTED WOODEN IMPERIAL PRESENTATION BREAD PLATE AND SALT CUP
EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Diameter of the plate 52 cm, height of the cup 6.5 cm.
4,000–6,000 GBP
Provenance: A gift to the grandfather of the present owner in 1930s.
Thence by descent.
Circular, carved with Neo-Byzantine motifs, the centre applied with a
monogram of Nicholas II and the Imperial Crown, with the mounts on
the borders reading “Tverskoi Verkh Volzhsk. Vagonnyi Zav.” in Cyrillic
and dated “21.IV.1915”, with yellow handwritten Cyrillic letters and
number “A.D-M 784” on the reverse; cup carved with a crucifix and the
inscription “Bozhe Tsarya Khrani” in Cyrillic, with handwritten red
number “360” and yellow Cyrillic letters and number “A.D.M. 25608”
under base.
This elaborately carved plate and salt were commissioned by the Tver
wagon-building factory to be presented to Nicholas II on the occasion of
his visit to Tver on the 21st April, 1915. According to traditional Russian
hospitality, a bread and salt plate was used to greet guests, whilst the
spectacular quality of the carving, as well as the dedicatory inscription
confirm the Imperial connection. Although Nicholas II does not mention
the Tver wagon-building factory in his diary, he does describe his visit to
an assembly of the nobility and it is reasonable to assume that the plate
was presented to him there.
Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
Ω Indicates 20% Import Duty Charge applies.
§ Indicates Artist's Resale Right applies.
† Indicates Standard VAT scheme applies, and the rate of 20% VAT will be charged on both hammer price and premium.