Beschreibung:

Russian Porcelain Basket from the Service of the Order of St. George Gardner Porcelain Factory, Moscow, period of Catherine II, circa 1777-78 Of circular form, the pierced exterior decorated with a modeled ribbon and cross representing the Order of St. George intertwined laurel garland, the interior painted with the star of the Order including the motto 'For Service and Bravery,' with two branch-form handles, marked G under base with blue underglaze. Length 12 1/4 inches (31.1 cm). Provenance: Property of a Lady The Gardner Porcelain Factory was commissioned in the last quarter of the 18th century by Empress Catherine II to produce services of the most important Russian Imperial orders. Once a year these services were used to honor the name saint with the largest feast at the Winter Palace. Designed by Gavril Koslov, the Order services followed the example of the Meissen and Berlin porcelain factories, requiring only the highest quality pieces be used for each service. C Property of a Private Foundation