M. Weltman, in his enumeration of the treasury of
the Kremlin, says: "It was therefore probably made in the workshops
of Ispahan about the same time that the globe, sceptre, and _barmi_
were ordered from Constantinople."
[Illustration: THE KREMLIN, MOSCOW.]
The Kremlin contains a large number of pieces of decorative plate
of all kinds made for the service of the table of the Tsars, or
displayed on buffets on state occasions. Much of it is the production
of other countries, presented by their ambassadors or purchased
for the Tsar. The frequent fires and the melting down of treasure
during the Polish disturbances have much diminished this collection,
and possibly also many of the finest pieces have disappeared. Of
the large service of gold plate of the Tsar Alexis, which consisted
of 120 covers, two plates are all that remain. These are, however,
sufficient evidence of the skill and taste of the Moscow goldsmiths
of the period and of their dexterity in the use of enamel.
The Treasury of the Kremlin contains a large number of cups or
vases of silver-gilt, for table use, of Russian work.
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