Bracelet
Moscow. 1880s(?)
Workshop of I.D.Tchitchelev
Gold, enamel, rubies, pearls
5,6x6,8x7,4 cm
State Historical Museum, Moscow

Ivan Dmitrievich Tchitchelev — one of outstanding goldsmith (since 1815), owner of a workshop (factory) producing jewels and established in 1867, active before 1888, supplier of the Russian Imperial Court, king of Italy Vittore Emmanuele, Austrian Emperor Franz Josef 11, participant of the World Exhibitions — London (award), 1867 — Paris — silver medal, 1873 —Vienna — triumph, 1876 — Philadelphia. Jewels decorated with enamels and gemstones in the style of Old Russia and Byzantium made by I.D.Tchitchelev was well known.

Costumed balls introduced in the early 18th century at Russian imperial court, became soon one of most fascinating entertainment of the high society. The ball season was opened usually after Christmas, in Winter Palace, and after it there was an unending turn of similar amusements in the houses of Great Princes and aristocratic houses of St. Petersburg. Many of them were equal to imperial ones in luxury and decoration. Balls were prepared beforehand; its conception, and a chosen theme determined its structure and decoration, according to the chosen artistic style. In the second half of the 19th century "historical balls" in the style of Old Russia when drawing rooms and dancing halls were full of Russian boyars with wives and children, voivodes, knights, lectors of Duma and Posolski Prikaz, kravchy (chief of tsar's table), austringers, chasseurs, cavaliers and unmounted warriors of the epoch of Ivan Grozny, as well as with varyags, pechenegs, zaporozhtsy and cosaks, were in fashion. (Vsemirnaya illustratsiya", 1883, vol.29, N 729, p. 182-183). Costumes and jewels corresponded to the theme, they were elaborated on the basis of works of the historians N.I.Kostomarov, I.E.Zabelin, of illustrated works by archeologist and artist F.G.Solntsev and were executed in ancient style. Wristband of I.D.Tchitchelev is a bright example of jewels in Old-Russian style.