This figural spill vase depicts the coronation of Tzar Nicholas II. It has been modelled after one of the official portraits of the occasion. A good quality souvenir meant to capitalize on fresh sentiments. As the official ceremony took place in May 1896, this figure would likely have been on the market that same year.
This example was made in France. The numbers 1243 and the word deposé are moulded into the bottom back of the base. These are French registration marks. No factory mark.
The form has been slip cast and assembled from three or four separately moulded parts. The enamels and lustre have been applied directly to the unglazed bisque porcelain. The two headed eagles on the robe look to have been rubber stamped, a seldom seem method of enamel application. The monogram on the back is the cipher of Nicholas II as it was written on coronation day.
This is a well made production piece with a registered design. These would have been made for the Russian market as that is where the demand would have been. This is the only one I have ever seen though. Perhaps the others were casualties of the revolution of 1917.
Height 14.1 cm
