Code: 13464
A Russian Imperial Coronation Khodynka 'Cup of Sorrows' or 'Blood Cup', dated 1896, produced for the Coronation of Tzar Nicholas II and Alexandra, one side with their initials in Cyrillic surmounted by the Imperial crown and the other side with the Imperial Russian Eagles surmounted by the crown.
These enamel beakers were made for distribution, along with food, presents and commemorative scarves, to celebrate the coronation of Tzar Nicholas in May1896. Over half a million people gathered on the Khodynka Field in Moscow in anticipation of the presents, which was far more than the field could safely accommodate, especially as the area in front of the Tsar's podium was dug with trenches due to the area being normally used as a military training ground. A rumor swept through the crowd that there was not enough food for everyone and the cups contained a gold coin. In the confusion and the crush that ensued, over a thousand people were trampled to death and the event was taken as an omen of things to come for the rest of Nicholas' reign.
In good condition overall, some small enamel chips to the rim and one larger chip to the foot, although it's mostly only visible from the underside.
10.5cm high.
