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Silver Wonders of the East
Filigree of the Tsars
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It was the development of trade routes, dating from the 17th century, that brought silver filigree objects to the Western world. Collectors of this 'new' art form included. Louis XIV, Frederik Willem van Brandenburg and Amalia van Solms. |
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Often these pieces were put on display in specially built cabinets. However most of these collections have either been lost or melted down. |
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Title: Writing box of Stadholder William III of Orange,
India, Goa or Batavia (?), 1689-1702,
Medium: Silver, Filigree
Dimensions 31 x 27 x 13 cm
State Museum the Hermitage, St. Petersburg.
Image Courtesy: The Hermitage Amsterdam
The silver filigree writing box that belonging to William of Orange was recently discovered in the Hermitage Collection.
Title: Detail of Writing box of Stadholder William III of Orange, India, Goa or Batavia (?), 1689-1702,
Medium: Silver, Filigree
Dimensions 31 x 27 x 13 cm
State Museum the Hermitage, St. Petersburg.
Image Courtesy: The Hermitage Amsterdam
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Only one 'Royal' Filigree collection remained, more or less intact, the one belonging to the Russian Tsars. |
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New research has been carried out into the extensive collection of filigree pieces assembled by Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. As such, the original collection has been reconstructed from the numerous Hermitage departments. The collection includes objects made in China, India and Indonesia, specifically for the European market. |
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On display are two of Catherine the Great's toilet or vanity sets. One is from China and the other is from India. Both include a mirror and accompanying objects. Silver Wonders of the East brings together the research of the Hermitage about this unique medium in this collection celebrating the art of filagree. |
Silver Wonders of the East: Filigree of the Tsars
Hermitage Amsterdam:
through September 17, 2006