When I was just a little girl, I lived in a world of fantasy and delighted in things far-off. You could say I was a dreamer. The lines between space, time and reality were often blurred and really of no consequence to my ever forming mind. My nose was often deep in books, my mental preoccupation was ever steeped in magical playtime. Seeking lands and cultures both ancient and mysterious was a pastime not taken lightly. Ancient Egypt, Japan and Russia were particular fascinations. There was something so noble, sage and ethereal in each of these civilizations, respectively. I could glean from my readings certain knowledge of the samurai, the ballets and the early life along the Nile, but never fully understand them, which made them all the more compelling and made me all the more eager to learn.

Russia was my deepest love, particularly because of my vigorous ballet study and extensive appreciation for Tchaikovsky. This is a vast terrain, so enormous in mass, but also in culture; a culture that runs through its arteries like the Volga, streaming on for endless, countless miles, seemingly unbroken. From ballet to classical music, philosophy to literature, this land is steeped in tradition and in its contribution to the arts. Russia was also a land of great leaders and a powerful monarchy. One in particular, so very notorious, was Peter the Great. He was given the latter moniker for some very serious accomplishments and certainly earned his prominent place in world history.  His daughter, Empress Elizabeth, also made her contributions to Russian high society in particular. One such offering was her order of the creation of the Lomonosov Porcelain Factory in 1744. They were to serve “native trade and native art.” The factory produced wares exclusively for the ruling Romanov family and the Russian Imperial Court.

These dinnerwares, tea sets, collectible plates are still being manufactured by Mother Russia, but are mostly widely available and accessible now. The company has since been renamed the Imperial Porcelain Factory. Everyone can have a piece of the monarchy now (or so one would think). The historical pieces are much higher in value than the modern variations, and within certain periods this can be more or less true. The more complete the set, the higher the price and the condition is certainly noteworthy and integral to worth. The cobalt net is the trademark and therefore the most desirable. Everyone can now share a piece of this majestic nation whose reputation certainly precedes it, for better or for worse.

“I didn’t choose Russia but Russia chose me. I had been fascinated from an early age by the culture, the language, the literature and the history to the place.”

-Helen Dunmore

Attribution to Style Hive, Etsy, Erstwhile Jewelry, Ebay