The ascension of Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich (Michael I) to the Russian throne in 1613 marked the beginning of the new ruling Romanov dynasty, the reign of which lasted more than three hundred years. 1913 was an anniversary year for the Romanovs. The celebrations were magnificent and nationwide. With a special order, the emperor bestowed ‘favours on subjects’ as part of charity events; they announced benefits to poor citizens, debts of small entrepreneurs and landowners were written off, amnesty was granted to certain categories of convicts.
On the occasion of this significant date, a large number of commemorative products was made: jewelled eggs, decorations, medals, coins, tableware and other objects depicting rulers, significant events and places. Prominent Russian masters of painting and graphics worked on the creation of the souvenirs: Ivan Bilibin, Eugene Lanceray, Karl Fabergé’s jewellery company, St. Petersburg Mint, Imperial Porcelain Factory, as well as other suppliers of the imperial court and private individuals. They approached the manufacture of all these things carefully, made them of high quality, and strove to give them a noble look.
Shawls were among such commemorative products. Using them as souvenirs was a long-standing tradition in Russia. On fabric, they depicted events that took place in the country in a given period. Such shawls were hung on the wall or kept in hiding places as heirlooms.
The central subject of the shawl commemorating the Romanov tercentenary was an image of Emperor Nicholas II. Around him in oval-shaped medallions there are portraits of the other rulers of this dynasty; on top of them there is the coat of arms of the House of Romanov and the slogan “God! Save the Tsar!” The item includes the key theme — the invitation of Mikhail Fyodorovich Romanov, the founder of the royal dynasty, to the throne. The shawl is made of printed cotton fabric.
The images of the ruling Emperor and Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich were made in colour. The remaining ones were printed on the shawl with the same tone they used for dying the fabric.
On the occasion of this significant date, a large number of commemorative products was made: jewelled eggs, decorations, medals, coins, tableware and other objects depicting rulers, significant events and places. Prominent Russian masters of painting and graphics worked on the creation of the souvenirs: Ivan Bilibin, Eugene Lanceray, Karl Fabergé’s jewellery company, St. Petersburg Mint, Imperial Porcelain Factory, as well as other suppliers of the imperial court and private individuals. They approached the manufacture of all these things carefully, made them of high quality, and strove to give them a noble look.
Shawls were among such commemorative products. Using them as souvenirs was a long-standing tradition in Russia. On fabric, they depicted events that took place in the country in a given period. Such shawls were hung on the wall or kept in hiding places as heirlooms.
The central subject of the shawl commemorating the Romanov tercentenary was an image of Emperor Nicholas II. Around him in oval-shaped medallions there are portraits of the other rulers of this dynasty; on top of them there is the coat of arms of the House of Romanov and the slogan “God! Save the Tsar!” The item includes the key theme — the invitation of Mikhail Fyodorovich Romanov, the founder of the royal dynasty, to the throne. The shawl is made of printed cotton fabric.
The images of the ruling Emperor and Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich were made in colour. The remaining ones were printed on the shawl with the same tone they used for dying the fabric.
