A pair of monumental gilt-bronze mounted porcelain vases, Imperial Porcelain Factory, St Petersburg, 1825 (Lot 414) Estimate: £1,000,000 - 1,500,000 These vases are the earliest known pair of this monumental size produced by the Imperial Porcelain Factory. Dated 1825 in both paintings, their production almost certainly commenced during the reign of Emperor Alexander I, who died on 19 November (O.S.) of that year. As such early examples, they represent the beginning of what is considered the peak of porcelain production in Russia, the reign of Nicholas I, during which technical advances and the keen personal interest of the Emperor himself resulted in porcelain of the finest quality. Vases of this scale were usually intended for the use of the Emperor or Empress or another member of the Imperial family, or occasionally as gifts from the Emperor to foreign rulers.