Sent as a diplomatic gift following Nicholas I’s visit to Queen Victoria in 1844 with the large porcelain vase on display nearby. The top was made at the Imperial Peterhof lapidary workshop and, unusually, is carved in low and medium relief rather than the traditional flat pietre dura technique. The table was mounted by Carl Tegelsten, whose work was retailed by Nicholls and Plincke of St Petersburg, otherwise known as the ‘English Shop’.

Presented to Queen Victoria by Emperor Nicholas I, 1844