Beaker with a portrait of Empress Elizabeth I
Russia, mid 18th century
Silver, gilt, embossing, engraving, casting
9,1x7,7 cm
State Historical Museum, Moscow

On the cylindrical body of the beaker in figured cartouches with flowers, scrolls, volutes and rococo shells there are chased images of a double-headed eagle, a half-length portrait of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna and a monogram "ละ I" under a crown. At the top of the cover there is a cast double-headed eagle with symbols of state authority.

The state symbolic used in decoration testifies that the beaker was used as a gift at the time of government of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna.

In spite of the fact that in the 18th century in Russia there was a system of awarding with decorations and medals (first Russian Order of St. Andrew, the Apostle, was established by Tsar Peter Alexeevich in 1699), various forms of precious refined vessels stylishly decorated with symbolical chased, cast, and engraved State Emblems with an imperial crown, scepter and globe, ornate monograms under a crown, regal portraits, were traditionally considered as an honorable incentive imperial award. Allocating a merit, worthy precious encouragement, they proceeded, first of all, from their importance for the commonweal: military merits, and successes in the field of civil construction, education, medicine, development of crafts, trade, military and naval construction, sciences and art.