Regalia of the Russian tsars

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Russian historical regalia in Kremlin, part of showcase.

Regalia of the Russian tsars are the insignia of tsars and emperors of Russia, who ruled from the 13th to the 19th century. Over the centuries, the specific items used by Tsars changed greatly; the largest such shift occurred in the 18th century, when Peter the Great reformed the state to align it more closely with Western European monarchies.[1]

After the Russian Revolution, the Bolsheviks sold the majority of the Romanovs' regalia, but the most important items, including the key coronation regalia, were placed in the Kremlin Armoury. Since 1967, they have been available for public viewing through the Diamond Fund permanent exposition.[2]

Oldest Russian regalia

Two oldest Russian crowns - "Cap of Monomakh" and Kazan Crown.
The barmas of tsar Alexey Mikhailovich

From the 13th up to the end of 14th century the main insignia of knyaz power were the decorated barmas and the knyaz belts. A barma is a neck-piece or a mantle made of gold, encrusted with gems and diamonds. Such treasured items were hereditary and closely connected to the knyazs' names; as such, they were always mentioned in the wills.

The Barmas

Barmas of Old Ryazan were produced by masters of Old Ryazan in late 12th - early 13th century. They are one of the greatest masterpieces of ancient jewellery. The barmas belonged to the local knyaz family, but in 1237 the city was completely destroyed by Batu Khan, so the forsaken jewellery laid underground for nearly 600 years. In 1822, the royal barmas were found by archeologists and brought to the Kremlin Armory. These precious barmas are the high-craft masterpieces, enamelled and encrusted with gems. Some of the barmas have gold medallions with engravings in Greek, presumably of the Byzantine origin.

The Monomakh's Cap

Main article: Monomakh's Cap

reforms, the ceremonial setting for reigning was replaced by coronation, the main attribute of which became the imperial crown. Since the 18th century the Cap of Monomakh served as the heraldic crown of the "Tsardom of Great, Little and White Russia".[3][4]

The Kazan Crown

Kazan crown This 16th century crown is the second oldest in Russia. The gold crown is studded with pearls,

capture of Kazan in October 1552 and annexation of the Kazan khanate to the Russian state. The precious crown might have been executed by Moscow Kremlin jewelers on the successful solution of "The Eastern problem", so important for Muscovy. Its name might have immortalized the memory of the glorious victory of Russian warriors. The crown's look combines national and eastern artistic traditions. Some elements are reminiscent of the decor traditions of Russian churches of the epoch. At the same time, the combination of stones, e.g. red tourmalines and rubies with blue turquoise and the carved ornament of knitting herbs on a niello background represent oriental artistic influence. It may have belonged to Ediger Mahmet, the last ruler of the Tatar (Tartar) state of Kazan. Since the 18th century this crown served as the heraldic crown of the "Tsardom of Kazan"
.

The Ivory Throne

Ivan IV

The Ivory throne is the earliest preserved tsars throne of the mid-16th century. The throne was made of wood faced with plates of ivory and walrus tusk, therefore it was called the "carved bone armchair". The carved ornament unites the various subjects and representations into a single composition. Decorative scenes include images from Greek mythology and the Old Testament. The depicted themes, the style of the carving and the motifs, which include grotesques and Cupids, enable researchers to date most of the pieces to the 16th century and attribute them to Western European Renaissance craftsmen. This bone throne has been renovated several times in Russia: worn pieces of bone were remade by local craftsmen; in 1856, on the occasion of the coronation of Emperor Alexander II, the throne was decorated with a gilded silver two-headed eagle.[5]

Regalia of Boris Godunov

  • Golden throne In addition to the bone chair the showcase includes a throne of oriental workmanship executed in the late 16th century. Having been presented by
    Abbas I to Tsar Boris Godunov it was called a "Persian throne with stones". The form of the throne with its low back flowing into sloping arm-rests, reveals features typical of Iranian furniture of the 16th-17th centuries. The makers have used ornament beloved in the East, i.e. strips of gold decorated with a foliate pattern and coloured stones - blue turquoises and red rubies, tourmalines. The back of the seat, the arms and the whole lower section of the throne were covered with gold Persian fabric, replaced by French velvet in 1742 for the coronation of Empress Elizabeth. In total this throne is adorned 552 rubies and pink tourmalines, 825 turquoises, 177 pearls
    and 700 halves of pearls.

The Sceptre and orb are creations of West-European jewellers of the late Renaissance period, the enamels used on the relief technique not being known to Russian goldsmiths of that time. There are reasons to consider the sceptre and orb to belong to the set of gifts, brought to Tsar Boris Godunov in 1604, by the Great Embassy of Rudolf II, Emperor of the Great Roman Empire. The scepter and orb, miraculously survived through the Time of Troubles, must have been used in 1613 in crowning of Michael Fyodorovich, first Tsar of the Romanov Dynasty. For later on during the whole reigning of Michael Fyodorovich they were unique regalia of the kind and belonged to the so-called "Grand set" (precious tsars attire) complex of especially valuable regalia. Later "Grand set", which, except for the state regalia, included an armour set, that accompanied the Tsar in processions, e.g. military companies and hunting.

Regalia of Michael Fyodorovich

The crown of "Grand set" - "Astrahan crown"

During the Time of Troubles in 1610-1612 the tsars' treasury was plundered by the Polish troops. They took almost all armour and weapons from the Great Treasury. Still, some items of the utmost value were kept in the occupied Kremlin under the protection of the boyars. When the Seven Boyars agreed to acknowledge Władysław, the king of Poland, as the king of Russia, he spared the historical monarchical insignia. Later the new king of Russia Michael Fyodorovich replenished the treasury with new artefacts. In 1627-1628 the "Grand Set" of regalia was created for him.[6]

  • Golden carving chain This chain was presented to Tsar Michael Fyodorovich in 1631 by the Dutch. It was made in Western Europe in 1620s, later in Russia it was altered and became part of the "Grand set". It consists of 79 carving blackening rectangular links.
  • Golden chain The golden chain belonged to Tsar Michael Fyodorovich. It was executed by Kremlin makers and first mentioned in papers of the State treasury in 1640. It consists of 89 rounds, slightly convoluted rings with an ornamental inscription on each ring. The inscription includes a praying to the Holy Trinity, the complete title of the Tsar with a list of towns, princedoms and lands of the Russian State and the Tsar's hortation to live according to the precepts of God.
  • The Crown of the "Grand set" belonged to Tsar Michael Fyodorovich. It was crafted by Kremlin master E. Telepnev in 1627. Crown has 177 precious stones and pearls. Since 18th century this crown served as heraldic crown of the Astrakhan Khanate.
"Grand set": the crown of Michael Fyodorovich with orb and sceptre of Boris Godunov.
  • The Golden throne of Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich was crafted at the beginning of the 17th century from the old chair of oriental workmanship which had belonged to
    Ivan the Terrible. In its form, high back and arms, it resembles Russian armchairs, but oriental motifs still remain in the ornament:[1] The throne is faced with embossed gold and adorned with rubies, pearls, turquoise and other uncut stones. The throne was made in the early 17th century in Kremlin Workshops. Its decoration is similar to that of the throne of Boris Godunov. 13 kilos of gold, gemstones and pearls were used for its ornamentation. Partly throne's decoration haven’t survived. A part of golden plates in the base as well as the throne's pediment were missing. In total on this throne are surviving 1325 rubies and tourmalines, 559 turquoises, 16 pearls, 28 sapphires and 36 other precious stones.[7]

Also "Grand set" consist from various precious armament and equipment, survived in Kremlin Armoury. Most important from these things are:

"State helmet" on picture of 19th century
Broadsword
of Tsar Michael Fyodorovich on picture, 19th century.

After Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich death in Kremlin Armoury were given his personal jewels and equipment, not applied to "Grand set". Most important from them are:

Regalia of Alexis Mikhailovich

New Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich ordered his regalia mostly in Turkey and Persia in 1650s-1660s. His "Grand Set" consists of:

Also a private treasury of Alexis Mikhailovich consisted of:

Diamond throne of Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich, in Kremlin Armoury.
  • Diamond throne The shape of the so-called "diamond armchair" of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, the most elaborate of the Royal thrones in the Armoury collection, is reminiscent of the throne of Tsar Mikhail, his father. The throne was made by Persian craftsmen in 1659 and granted to the Tsar by merchants Ichto Modovletov and Zakharia Saradarov from the Armenian Trading Company in 1660. The throne has been made of sandalwood faced with golden and silver plates with foliate ornamentation. Its bottom is decorated with a bold carved pattern depicting a procession of elephants and drivers on their backs. The back of the throne is covered with black velvet and embroidered images of two genii supporting a crown over the inscription glorifying the Tsar and his power. The whole surface of the throne is faced with an intricate mosaic of turquoise and diamonds. The precious donation was attached to the petition of tax-free trading in the Russian territory.[9] The Armenian merchants got 4000 silver rubles and 19000 copper rubles for this throne. For the prevalence of diamonds the throne was named "Diamond Throne". In total throne has 876 diamonds and 1223 other gemstones. On the back of this throne there is an embroidered Latin inscription: "Potentissimo et invictissimo Moscovitarum Imperatori Alexio, in terris feliciter regnanti, hic thronus, summa arte et industria fabrefactus, sit futuri in coelis et perennis faustum felixque omen. Anno Domini, 1659" ("To the most powerful and invincible Muscovy Emperor Alexis doth reign felicitously upon the earth the throne made with sumptuous art would be a token of future eternal bliss in heaven. In the Year of Our Lord. 1659").
  • The staff "His Majesty's staff":[6] This precious staff was executed in Istanbul in 1658 and presented to Tsar by a Greek Ivan Anastasov in 1662. It has a lily on top. In total this unique oriental staff has 178 diamonds, 259 emeralds, 3 pearls and 369 pink tourmalines.
  • Plaque-pendant Precious plaque-pendant for tsars coronation clothes was executed in Istanbul in the 1660s.

Also, Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich had various personal military equipment of his own "Grand set". Now these artefacts are on display in Kremlin Armoury, most famous of them are:

Tsars' regalia 1660s-1680s

In 1682 Russia received two co-rulers - Ivan V Alekseevich and Peter I Alekseevich. Both of them had own jewels (but one throne).

  • Silver double throne The Double throne of Tsars Ivan Alekseyevich and Peter Alekseyevich, which serves as a vivid illustration of the unique historical moment, when two tsarevitches were crowned together:[10] Tsar Alexis died leaving three sons. After the death of the eldest one, Theodore, fifteen-year-old Ivan should have inherited the throne, but he was feeble-minded and in poor health. So it was decided to crown the two brothers together, Ivan and ten-year-old Peter (the future Peter the Great). The double-seated throne was executed specially for the occasion by the Kremlin craftsmen in the 1680s. Its constriction including open-work arch on twisted columns, silver steps below and a high back with two silver pillars on each side resembles elegant architectural forms. The necessary instructions and advice were transmitted through a small orifice cut into the back of the throne and concealed by the velvet covering. The shape of the throne is finished with a lavish ornamentation. The openwork embossment, three-dimensional animal figures, carving and high relief, contrasting combination of silver and gilt are exemplificative of the Baroque style.
Nikita Pustosviat Disputing with Patriarch Joachim on Matters of Faith. Painting by Vasily Perov
(1880). Behind - stand silver double throne.
Picture of altabas crown, c. 1835.
  • Diamond crown This crown was executed by Russian masters for Tsar Peter I Alekseevich in the 1680s:[12] A similar crown was made for his elder brother, crowned at the same time. The decor of the crown represents specific features of Russian jewelry of the late 17th century, a specific feature of which was active using of precious stones. Shining diamonds and gems always attracted attention of Russian goldsmiths, and that time they became the main point of jewelry artworks. The Crown of Peter Alekseevich was enriched with green emeralds and red tourmalines. In total metallic golden frame of crown is adorned 807 diamonds (in 32 designs) and 13 other gemstones.[10]
  • Diamond crown One of the two crowns was made in the 1680s by Russian jewelers for Ivan V Alekseevich:[13] The decor of the crown is traditional for Russian jewelry of the late 17th century, a special point of which was active use of luxurious precious stones. On the crown's top there is a precious crimson lal. This golden crown has circa 900 diamonds and a few other precious stones.
Young Russian Tsar with "Cap of Monomakh", sceptre of Alexis Mikhailovich and orb of Boris Godunov.
  • Pectoral cross of Tsar Peter I Alekseevich The golden cross of Tsar Peter Alekseevich was made in Kremlin workshops in the 1780s. In the center of its obverse there is a small cross made of magnificent emeralds of different cutting and shape, adorned with openwork vegetation ornament and enamels. The shape and decor of the emerald cross allow to classify it as an artwork of West European silversmiths of the 16-17th centuries. A carved crucifix on one emerald and a carved inscription "NIKA" on another are of Russian origin and can be dated by the same time. On the cross's reverse there is a front enamelled image of Apostle Peter, the Tsar's patron Saint. The enamelled decor of the cross in combination with shining precious stones give major impression in accordance with the common tendencies of development of Russian art of the time. The bright artistic concept and brilliant craft make the item a true masterpiece of the 18th century jewelry.
  • Sceptre of Tsar Peter I Alekseevich The sceptre belonging to Tsar Peter I was made of gold and adorned with colour enamels and precious stones. The hexahedral sceptre divides into three with three bolsters and its lower part ends with a bolster with a figured knob. The sceptre's form and details are close to the sceptre of Tsar Michael Fyodorovich of the 17th century. The decor reflects artistic taste of the late 17th century. Black and pink enamels on blue background, vegetation ornament of miniature graceful tulips, leaves and curls – all these have analogies in artworks by Kremlin jewelers of the 1780s and 1790s. The sceptre must have been executed in 1682 on the occasion of setting for reigning of brothers Ivan and Peter Alekseevich. While the ceremonial, Ivan Alekseevich took the sceptre of his grandfather, and the new sceptre, created following the pattern of the worshipped holy, was brought for the younger Tsar, Peter Alekseevich.
  • Mace The
    marschallstab
    , after his death the mace was returned to Kremlin.

Regalia of the Russian Empire

The coronation in the Russian Empire was a sophisticated ceremony, scrutinized in tiny details and requiring thorough preparation. The final set of Imperial regalia was formed in 1723-1724, since that time it included the Great Imperial Crown, the Small crown, the Imperial sceptre, the Imperial orb, the mantle, the Big Chain and Star of the Order of St. Andrew, the state shield, the state sword, and the state seal.[11]

  • The Crown of Empress Catherine I was first new-type Imperial crown after the tsars' caps of previous monarchs. It was designed by the court master Samson Larionov and created with the help of 10 Moscow Kremlin masters in 1724 for the coronation of Empress Catherine I, second wife of Peter the Great. In a month after the ceremony the crown of Catherine I was dismantled, its 2000 diamonds and a huge Chinese tourmalin were added to the new crown. The gilded silver carcass of this crown is displayed in Kremlin Armoury.[12]
  • The Orb of Emperor Peter II is a simple small golden orb with silver belt and cross, not encrusted with any gemstones. It is kept in the Kremlin Armoury since 30 May 1728.
  • The Crown of Empress Anna Ivanovna is one of the first new-type Russian crowns. It was crafted by Gottlieb Wilhelm Dunkel in
    Kremlin Armory on 14 March 1741. In 1826 it was used for the personal coronation of Emperor Nikolas I in Warsaw as the polish king. Later this crown served as the heraldic crown of "Tsardom of Poland"
    .
  • The Agraf (a buckle for imperial mantle) was made by Jérémie Pauzié for Empress Elizabeth in Saint Petersburg in the 1760s. The Agraf looks as three small branches with leaves and tiny flowers. It is 25 cm long and 11 wide, encrusted with 805 diamonds, 475.44 carat. Currently it is displayed in the permanent exhibition of the Diamond Fund.[13][14]
Empress Anna Ivanovna with her crown, portrait by Louis Caravaque.
State sword and shield on Russian post stamp.
Maltese crown of Emperor Pavel I in Kremlin.
Grand Master of Knights of Malta. Portrait by Salvatore Tonci
.

Ancient regalia in Russian Great State Coat of Arms

Until 1917 several ancient regalia served as heraldic crowns of various lands of the Russian Empire.

Great State Coat of Arms of Russian Empire. Presented drawing of Artist Igor Barbe, 2006, "Greater Coat of Arms of the Russian Empire" 1882-1917

Disposition of crowns on Great State Coat of Arms:

  • mantle
    .
  • The crown of "Grand set" - on shield of the coat of arms of Astrahan Tsardom.
  • Altabas crown - on shield on the coat of arms of
    Siberia
    .
  • Lost "
    Soviets
    in the 1930s.
  • Only heraldic crown - on shield on the coat of arms of Finland.
  • Only heraldic crown - on shield on the family coat of arms of House Holstein-Hottorp-Romanov.
  • "Cap of Monomakh" - on shield of the coat of arms of "Tsardom of Great, Little and White Russia".
  • "Cap of Monomakh of the second set" - on shield of the coat of arms of Crimea.
  • Crown of Empress Anna Ivanovna - on shield of the coat of arms of Poland.
  • Kazan crown - on shield of the coat of arms of Kazan Tsardom.
  • "State helmet" of Michael Fyodorovich - in center, on shield of the small coat of arms of Russian Empire.

Also, Maltese crown served as heraldic until 1803. It can be still found in coat of arms of the Russian town of Gatchina.

See also

References

  1. ^ Volkova 2011, p. 3.
  2. ^ Kvasha, Semyon (1 May 2013). "Treasures of Imperial Russia on display in Moscow and St. Petersburg". Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  3. ^ Osipova, I. (2018-01-27). "5 mysterious stories involving Russia's royal jewelry". Russia Beyond the Headlines. Retrieved 2020-01-29.
  4. ^ Yegorov, O. (2019-06-27). "5 facts about the Monomakh's Cap, the ancient crown of Russian tsars". Russia Beyond the Headlines. Retrieved 2020-01-29.
  5. ^ Витрина 51. Троны XVI-XVII веков [Showcase No.51. The thorones of XVI-XVII centuries] (in Russian). The Kremlin Armoury Chamber. Retrieved 2020-01-29.
  6. ^ Judakov 2013, p. 58.
  7. ^ Витрина 47. Троны XVII века [The showcase No.47: Thrones of the XVII century] (in Russian). The State Kremlin Armoury. Retrieved 2020-01-29.
  8. ^ a b c Manaev, G. (2019-10-12). "Where did Russia's symbols of monarchy come from?". Russia Beyond the Headlines. Retrieved 2020-01-29.
  9. ^ Judakov 2013, p. 70.
  10. ^ Manaev, G. (2019-12-05). "What did Peter the Great keep in his treasury?". Russia Beyond the Headlines. Retrieved 2020-02-19.
  11. ^ Hellberg-Hirn 1998.
  12. ^ Bykova 2014, p. 91-104.
  13. ^ Переворот: великая женщина во главе России [The Coup d'Etat: the Great Woman Ruling Russia] (in Russian). Regnum. 2017-10-03. Retrieved 2020-01-29.
  14. ^ КАК БЕСЦЕННЫЕ ШЕДЕВРЫ НЕЛЕГАЛЬНО ВЫВОЗИЛИСЬ ИЗ СССР [How Priceless Masterpieces Were Sold Out from USSR] (in Russian). Sovershenno Sekretno. 2015-04-26. Retrieved 2020-01-29.
  15. ^ a b c Коронационные регалии [The Imperial Regalia] (in Russian). Gokhran. Retrieved 2020-01-29.
  16. ^ Zimin 2013.

Sources

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Russian Crown Jewels.


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Regalia_of_the_Russian_tsars&oldid=1188462039"