A unique gold cigarette case made in St Petersburg by Morozov, Purveyor to the Imperial Court, representing an exceptional example of Russian jewellery from the late Imperial period. Its decorative programme and emphatic dynastic symbolism place the object among the commemorative Imperial presentation pieces associated with the celebrations marking the tercentenary of the House of Romanov in 1913.
Of rectangular form with rounded corners, the cigarette case is crafted in 56 zolotnik gold. The composition of the cover brings together some of the most significant emblems of the Russian monarchy. Its surface is embellished with two repoussé Imperial Russian double-headed eagles, each accented with a diamond. Above the eagles is a repoussé representation of the Cap of Monomakh, one of the most ancient regalia of the Russian sovereigns and a potent symbol of the continuity of Tsarist and autocratic authority. The Cap of Monomakh is set with diamonds, sapphires and rubies. The push-piece is set with an oval cabochon sapphire.
The restrained architectural form of the case and the simplicity of its gold surface provide an effective setting for this symbolically charged composition. The combination of the double-headed eagle and the historic coronation regalia lends the object a distinctly official and ceremonial character, particularly resonant with the visual culture surrounding the dynastic celebrations of 1913.
Objects of this type belonged to a distinguished category of precious presentation and commemorative works intended for formal presentation to members of the Imperial Court, senior government officials and officers of the Russian Empire. The high quality of the goldsmith`s work, the use of gold and precious stones, and the carefully conceived Imperial iconography distinguish this cigarette case as an important example of Russian jewellery from the final years of the Empire.
Marks: Maker`s mark of the unidentified workmaster with the Cyrillic initials «И.П.» (I.P.), known to have worked for Morozov; full firm`s mark «В. МОРОЗОВЪ» (V. MOROZOV); Imperial Warrant mark of Purveyor to the Imperial Court; St Petersburg state assay mark for 1908-1917, comprising a woman`s head in a kokoshnik facing right, Greek letter «α», and the zolotnik standard «56».
Dimensions: Height 1.3 cm. Length 9 cm. Width 6 cm.
Weight: 83 g.
Condition: Excellent collectible condition. Minor traces of age and use.
In 1913, the Russian Empire celebrated the tercentenary of the House of Romanov. The anniversary assumed exceptional importance at state level and was marked by court ceremonies, official receptions, journeys undertaken by the Imperial family and the creation of numerous commemorative works. Within the artistic culture of the period, precious presentation objects occupied a particularly significant position, combining exceptional craftsmanship with carefully conceived dynastic and state symbolism.
Gold cigarette cases ranked among the most prestigious categories of Russian jewellery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Beyond their practical function, they could serve as official gifts or presentation pieces. Such objects were characteristically fashioned from gold and embellished with diamonds and coloured gemstones, Imperial eagles, Imperial cyphers and other emblems of monarchical authority. Particularly distinguished were works produced by St Petersburg jewellery firms supplying the Imperial Court.
Morozov occupied a notable position within the jewellery trade of St Petersburg and enjoyed the prestigious status of Purveyor to the Imperial Court. Works produced by the firm frequently bear its mark together with the initials of the individual workmaster responsible for their manufacture. Among these is the mark of the unidentified workmaster «И.П.» (I.P.), documented on Morozov gold objects dating from the early 20th century. This organisation of production was characteristic of the leading Russian jewellery establishments of the Imperial period.
The iconographic programme of the present cigarette case is explicitly dynastic. The double-headed eagle represents the official emblem of the Russian Empire, while the Cap of Monomakh evokes a considerably older tradition of Russian sovereignty. Used in the coronation of the rulers of Muscovy, by the early 20th century it had become one of the foremost historical symbols of the continuity of supreme authority. The juxtaposition of the double-headed eagles and the Cap of Monomakh on a single object creates a programmatic composition particularly resonant with the celebration of Russian monarchical history in the tercentenary year of 1913.
The rare combination of dynastic symbolism, 56 zolotnik gold, diamonds, sapphires and rubies, together with the Morozov and Imperial Warrant marks, confers considerable historical and artistic significance upon the object and places it firmly within the tradition of prestigious Russian jewellery of the final years of the Imperial era.
The object is in excellent collectible condition, with minor traces of age and use. The gold case, repoussé Imperial emblems and gemstone settings are well preserved. All stones are present. The clasp and hinge mechanism are in good working order.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
