Scepter and Orb of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich

Istanbul, 1660-1662.
Gold, precious stones; casting, chasing, engraving, enamel.
From the main collection of Moscow Kremlin Armoury Chamber.

 

Aleksey Mikhaylovich (19 March [O.S. 9 March] 1629 – 8 February [O.S. 29 January] 1676) was the Tsar of Russia from 1645 until his death in 1676. His reign saw wars with Poland and Sweden, schism in the Russian Orthodox Church, and the major Cossack revolt of Stenka Razin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_of_Russia​

Istanbul became the place of creation of this set of Russian regalias. Istanbul jewelers, a significant part of whom were Greeks, were first-class craftsmen. The regalia were presented to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich as embassy gifts, in 1658 a scepter and in 1662 an orb.

 

Scepter.

Turkey, Istanbul, 1638.
Master Monogrammis GM.
Gold, silver, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds.
Length: 87.7 cm; diameter: 2-3 cm.

 

Orb.

Turkey, Istanbul, 1660-1662.
Gold, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds
Height: 29.2 cm; base diameter: 6.1 cm; circumference: 48.5 cm.

 

Old illustrations and postcards.