SHOWCASE 7

Diplomatic and trade relations of the Russian state and the Ottoman Empire appeared at the end of the 15th century and were supported by constant exchanges of embassies and trade missions during the next two centuries. The works of Turkish craftsmen, distinguished by the high quality of execution and beauty of artistic solution, were highly valued in all the Royal courts of Europe, including Russia.

The artistic craft related to working semi-precious and ornamental stones, which has long been known in the territories that made up the Turkish state, has gained wide popularity. It changed qualitatively in the 16th-17th centuries, developing in a united framework of the exemplary structure of Turkish art. The decorative design of objects made of jade, jasper, rock crystal, and lapis lazuli became truly magnificent. Gold and coloured gems were incrusted into the entire surface of the objects, with traditional images of tulips, pomegranate fruits, and multi-petal flowers on stems. The gold wire of the linear ornament and pieces of sheet gold in the image of petals were made quite thin, which made it possible to make shallow cuts in hardstones. At the same time, its surface with thin lines of gold inlay coloured with precious stones looked like an expensive patterned fabric, as, for example, on a jade bowl and a mug of rock crystal presented to Tsar Mikhail Feodorovich.

A special kind of work with ornamental stones was the production of figured plaques made of jasper and jade, decorated with floral pattern, made in the technique of gold damascening and complemented by small rubies, emeralds, turquoise. Such plaques often decorated Turkish arms, ceremonial horse harness, and many household items.

Works of Turkish craftsmen organically merged into the official and daily life of the Moscow court, they were a welcome gift and an expensive purchase. A lot of various items were acquired and used at the Russian Royal court, including parade court ceremonies. Ewer and basin were served during the meal for hand washing, as the food was eaten with fingers.

Aromatic substances and spices were stored in special vessels. On display is a narrow-necked flask (suleya) made of silver and decorated with gilding, chasing, and carving. Scent bottles made of crystal were used for aromatic liquids. One can see a scent bottle adorned with precious stones that belonged to Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich.

Works of Oriental craftsmen had a significant impact on the production of Kremlin workshops. For example, the inventories of the Tsar's treasury often mention that this or that item was made or decorated in Turkish style.