There has been a belief that during the delivery of Napoleon’s present from Europe to Russia in 1805, a number of objects from the porcelain manufactories of Meissen and Berlin were added to it.

“There was nothing extraordinary about it. Such kind of large presents usually included pieces of different origin. For example, the diplomatic gifts of the 17th century incorporated works from various artistic and handicraft centres regardless of the national identity of the embassy. /…/ Porcelain gifts were often of a complicated structure since the idea was to present a fairly large number of items of good quality whereas their combination did not make a big difference. Besides, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the fact of presenting meant rather personal sympathy than official action.”

The porcelain complex from the “German” part of Napoleon’s gift is hardly representative regarding the content but it is significant regarding quality and variety. It includes the items produced by two outstanding enterprises: the Meissen Manufactory – the founder of porcelain production in Europe – and the Royal Porcelain Factory in Berlin.

The Armoury Chamber keeps eleven exhibits belonging to the rococo epoch that represent the blossoming period of Meissen porcelain. By the early 19th century, the factory loses its leading role and begins to follow the stylistic devices of Sèvres to remain fashionable. Meissen’s classicism still demonstrated excellent quality, but was deprived of fantasy, limited in ornamental language and was rather a good work than a piece of art. At the same time, the production of the Berlin Factory was in high demand and enjoyed popularity. Decorated in delicate pastel colouring, its objects attracted buyers by lyrical German sentimentality along with Prussian thoroughness. “Obviously, some time later these features made the cosy Vienna style ‘Biedermeier’(1830-1840s) popular in Germany. Though the style appeared much later, the items produced at the Berlin Factory already had its germs.”

The production of Meissen and Berlin manufactories in the collection of the Armoury Chamber include utensils from different services, personal demand items, the sets of painted ornamental plates depicting architectural views, monuments, and urban landscapes.

The collection also has interesting samples of faience, majolica and stoneware produced in Rhineland: Cologne, Frechen, Siegburg.