The gilded cup with a portrait of Emperor Alexander I in an oval medallion was produced after the Russian victory over Napoleon. As a result of Russia’s success, Emperor Alexander I enjoyed great popularity in Europe. During that period, many products with his portraits were manufactured both in the Russian Empire and Europe. Chinaware was no exception.

The cup from the museum’s collection features a chest-length portrait of the emperor wearing a uniform with golden epaulets. When working on the portrait of Alexander I, the artist could have referred to the existing drawings and paintings of the Russian emperor.

On his chest, the Russian emperor wears the eight-pointed star of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, which was established in 1698, during the reign of Peter the Great. In 1807, Alexander I granted this award to Napoleon Bonaparte. In this portrait, the emperor also wears a blue order ribbon on his chest and the cross of St. George around his neck.

The cup has a traditional cylindrical shape that widens slightly towards the top. It is made in the Empire style, which was popular in the first third of the 19th century and was originally intended to glorify Napoleon and his rule.

The Empire style was distinguished by its striving for luxury and grandeur. Gilding was widely used in interior design, furniture, fabrics, bronze, and porcelain to achieve a sense of splendor and brilliance.

A very common technique was the combination of shiny and matte gilding. Pinstriping was used to create this effect in chinaware: the matte golden surface was treated with a special agate pencil, which made the surface sparkle and shine.

This teacup was also created using this technique: the matte gilding on the outside contrasts with the shiny gloss of the inner surface. The frame of the oval medallion, and the bands along the top and bottom of the cup were also made using shiny gilt.