"SIDEBOARD" SHOWCASE

Works by Western European and Oriental masters are presented in a particular way in the central part of the large wall showcase. Multistage shelves reproduce a special sideboard called "postavets". The precious tableware on display adorned the reception hall of Russian sovereigns — the Faceted Chamber, the reception hall of the Patriarch - the Cross Chamber, and private houses of wealthy people. In the Faceted Chamber, the sideboard was exceptionally opulent, but the Cross Chamber was no less richly decorated. According to researchers, the first description of using the treasures in the court ceremony, in particular, in the design of the reception of ambassadors, refers to the time of Vassily III, namely 1505-1530. Using precious tableware as the decor was a political goal. It was common in other feudal states as well, but the demonstration of treasures in Moscow was particularly sumptuous.

The sources of the treasure collection were diplomatic gifts and royal court purchases. There were new rare, unusual and perfectly executed items on display, while the attention was focused on foreign silver. As a result, a very significant role in the Old Russian ceremonial interior design was played by sideboards — stepped open shelves, upholstered with cloth or velvet, all filled with products of goldsmithery — different, rich and fancy dishes.