This magnificent porcelain vase was a grand diplomatic gift sent by Nicholas I to Queen Victoria, following his visit in 1844. The vase is a demonstration of the finest Russian craftsmanship of the time, incorporating views of the imperial palaces of Tsarskoe Selo and Peterhof, painted by the factory artist Nikolai Kornilov, with richly chased gilt-bronze mounts. In her Journal, Queen Victoria pronounced the vase to be ‘splendid and immense’.

Gift from Emperor Nicholas I to Queen Victoria, 1844.