Catherine II

The Ancienne Manufacture Royale presents a replica of the tea set known as “Aux Camées” made in the 18th century for Catherine II of Russia. It is a table service for 60 guests, which was “the largest and most expensive” that the Manufacture de Sèvres has ever made. Between July 1776 and June 1779, nearly 40 craftsmen were mobilized to produce this service. The order indicates that the service must include an exceptional number of 800 pieces of exclusive forms and reflect the interest of its illustrious patron for ancient art and cameos. She asked that the famous celestial blue color imitating the precious turquoise stone be used for the background.

The decor presents garlands of flowers, gold scrolls and medallions painted in grisaille in imitation of antique cameos. At the center of the plates and on the flat pieces, the “E II” for “Ekaterina II”, is composed of flowers and surmounted by a gold crown in relief. Most of the pieces of this service are now kept in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.