SHOWCASE 2

The showcase contains items of the 17th century related to court and patriarchal life. It includes many works of royal and patriarchal workshops of the Kremlin. The best masters from all over Russia who mastered their specialities and all known methods of adorning jewellery worked in the court workshops.

Dinner rites of that time involved serving a large number of dishes and luxury tableware. The table was decorated with beautiful salt cellars, pepper-pots and bottles for vinegar made of precious metals. Wine was poured in cups; beer, kvass and honey (hop drinks infusions on honey) were served in glasses, drinking ladles (kovsh) and loving-cups (bratina).

Dinnerware made of precious metals, crystal, glass and nacre represented the wealth of the house. It was carefully kept and at any opportunity exhibited as evidence of prosperity of the owner.