OUR FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH OUR GOOD NEIGHBOUR

Visits to Japan of the Grat Prince Alexei Alexandrovich in 1872 and of the Heir Cesarevitch Great Prince Nikolay Alexandrovich in 1891

A.I. Barkovetz,
Ph.D. in History

On deck of the frigate "Svetlana".

The carrier of the Great Prince Alexei (Alexis) Alexandrovich, the fourth son of the Russian Emperor Alexander II, has always been connected with the sea and travelling. Back in his childhood he used to go on cruises on the imperial yachts flying the flag of "His Majesty's Retinue Rear Admiral" Posiet, who served as a tutor and was a real friend to Great Prince Alexis. When Emperor Alexander II decided to send a Russian navy squadron to America and other overseas countries with a "good will mission", he committed his son the Great Prince Alexis, who had just turned 21, to head the delegation.

On August 21, 1871 frigate "Svetlana" with the Great Prince on board, corvette "Bogatyr" and clipper "Abrek" started out for a long distant journey. Vice-Admiral K.N. Posiet was appointed the Commander-in-Chief of the quest. The Great Prince spent almost a year in the United States, where he was introduced to President Grant, visited the National Naval Academy in Annapolis. Alexei Alexandrovich took part in the balls organised in his honour, visited the cities of New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal, Ottawa, Buffalo, and Chicago.

Portrait of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich

In 1872 the Great Prince Alexei Alexandrovich continued his journey abroad, which by that time had lasted for 366 days already. This time he visited Cuba, Brazil, the Cape of Good Hope, then he sailed over the Indian Ocean to the ports of the sea of China and the Sea of Japan. The Russian squadron stayed in Havana, Rio-de-Janeiro, Batavia, Singapore, Hong-Kong. From there they started out toward Japan.

On October 15, 1872 the Russian ships sailed into the Nagasaki harbour. Two hours later the Governor of the city Miazauri Fujayaki came on board the frigate "Svetlana" to greet the very important Russian guest. The next day the high-ranking Japanese dignitary Datte met the Great Prince Alexis and greeted him on the land of Japan on behalf of Mikado. "Our stay in Nagasaki has so far been one of the most pleasant ones, because the climate here is wonderful, it's neither too hot, nor too cold, absolutely like autumn in the Crimea. The bay is extremely calm and closed from all the winds", the Great Prince wrote to his Mother, the Empress Maria Alexandrovna. (SA RF. C.641. In1. F.34, Sh.143-144). K.N. Posiet also wrote a detailed report to His Imperial Majesty: "Starting from that port [Nagasaki]... I can say, that among all the countries we had visited during the first period, the Great Prince had the most detailed acquaintance with Japan, which is truly the country worth of his attention, for the reasons both of the renovations going in it, and of it being adjacent to the Russian boarders". (SA RF. C.678. In.1. F.1011. Sh.290.).

Telegram from Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich to his Mother Empress Maria Alexandrovna.

Alexis stayed in Nagasaki until October 24. He refused to move into the house especially prepared by the Japanese government for the sake of continuing his service on the frigate. The Japanese citizens received the Russian "giant" with great curiosity and most warmly. Great programme was developed for him. Prince Uvadzima gave a ceremonial dinner in his honour; Russian guests were taken out to the country, where they were greatly impressed by the beauty of natural picturesque scenes; they were also present at the tournament of 60 best Japanese wrestlers. On October 22 Alexis and his retinue visited a little village Inosa. He was amazed at the number of Russian-speaking people, by two hotels with the names of "Kronshtadt" and "Moscow" and by the Russian cemetery.

Then their way led them to the city of Kobe. On October 27 Alexis was received by the Governor with all the appropriate respect. All the way to the Governor's mansion was decorated with Russian flags. Most of all the Russians were astonished by the jinricksha carts, which they saw for the first time. They had a chance to admire the endurance of rickshaws during the trip to the Nunobekino water falls in the city's suburbs. Alexis visited the local theatre in Kobe. The sign above the entrance read in Russian: "God, Save the Tsar", and the sign above the scene read "Honour and Fame to the Great Prince Alexei Alexandrovich".

On November 1 the Russian ships sailed to Yokohama. Next morning the uncle of Mikado Prince Arisugava Tarukhito greeted the Great Prince Alexis. He was assigned to accompany the envoy of the Russian Emperor to Enreokhvan — the palace of the Japanese Emperor, 12 miles from Yokohama in the town of Edo. There Alexis made a new acquaintance — with the Foreign Minister of Japan Soyeshima. The Minister hospitably arranged for the accommodations of the Russian delegation and provided a vast programme of entertainment, balls and dinner. On November 5 the ceremonial reception by the Japanese Emperor Mazukhito was held. In Mikado's greeting he emphasised the value of good neighbouring relations between the two Empires: "During Your round-the-world trip Your Highness conferred us to visit our country. What a joy for me to greet You here! I hope His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress are both in good perfect health, and all Your Empire is in peace and happiness. Until now Your estimable Empire and our country have been good neighbours and have had friendly relations. This stay of Your Highness in our country will strengthen our connections even more — could there be a greater happiness for our country and a greater joy for me?!" The Great Prince's reply was equally well-disposed and friendly. (Same. P.387).

Portrait of Emperor Alexander II.

Their follow-up meeting was the next day. The Emperor became so favourably disposed to the Great Prince, that for the first time ever presented his portrait and asked for a portrait of Alexander II in return. The Great Prince Alexis got slightly embarrassed and promised to send the portrait as soon as he gets back to St.-Petersburg, and as soon as he came back to the frigate he sent over his own portrait to thank the Mikado. But this wasn't the end of this friendly exchange, and on the next day the Emperor sent over the portraits of his spouse and mother.

On November 9 Alexis together with Mikado was watching the parade of the Japanese troops, and when they arrived back to the palace he was introduced to the Emperor's wife Kharu-ko. After a few days Mikado accepted the invitation of Great Prince Alexis and came Yokohama to see the Russian ships. This was his first visit ever to a European naval squadron. The Japanese admired Russian hospitality, they were watching the ships' manoeuvres very attentively. They were highly impressed by the Russian sailors dance and songs.

The visit to Japan was coming to its end. On November 26 the squadron went out into the sea. They were heading towards Vladivostok, towards their Motherland. The purpose of the visit to the Country of the Rising Sun by the envoy of the Russian Tsar Alexander II was successfully accomplished. In the final part of his report to His Majesty the Emperor about the visit to Japan K.N. Posiet wrote: "During the period of one and a half months, while visiting five open ports of this rehabilitating country we have been witnessing that... the Japanese government, and the Japanese nation all together were willing to express the appropriate respect and real goodwill to the Great Prince, and in his person — to all of Russia". (SA RF. C.678. In.1. F.1011. Sh.420).

In less than 20 years the new envoy of the new Russian Emperor — Alexander III set foot on the Japanese shores. That was the heir of the Russian throne Cesarevitch and the Great Prince Nikolay (Nicholas) Alexandrovich, who was to become the last Russian Emperor.

In 1890 he turned 22, and by that time he had been through a serious school of education and up bringing. The care-free untroubled time of childhood and youth was coming to its end. Getting his son ready for government service, forming the qualities of a monarch in him has become the priority task for the Emperor Alexander III. That meant such qualities as responsibility for the words and deeds, independence of actions and firmness of decisions. Alexander III remembered the great value the trip all over Russia had for him, when in 1869 being the heir of the Russian throne he had travelled to see the real life of his partials. That was why he decided to send his own son on a several months trip — to broaden his outlook and skills of a ruler.

The agenda of the trip was discussed for several months. It included seeing places of interest in various countries, meetings with their rulers and monarchs.

Flag of the heir Tsesarevitch Nicholas Alexandrovich, hoist on one of boats of the cruiser "Pamyat Azova"

Several variants of the itinerary were considered, one of them including the journey to the US. However, Cesarevitch himself insisted on including such countries as China and Japan into his trip agenda. According to him, "visits to these countries look very interesting and promising". Accompanied by a small retinue Cesarevitch Nicholas and his younger brother Georgiy left Gatchina Palace — the Imperial residence in St.-Petersburg suburbs — on October 23, 1890. They took a train to Vienna, and from there went to Trieste, where on October 26 they boarded "Pamyat Azova" frigate. Their first stop was in Greece, where they visited King Georgiy and Queen Olga. They were closely related to Nicholas, who was good friends with their son Georgiy, his cousin. After having stayed there for 10 days, they took the Greek Prince Georgiy with them and in 3 days they were already in Port Said. They crossed the Suez Canal to go to Ismalia, where they were received by Hussein, the ruler of Egypt. The cruise along the Nile, ancient temples and pyramids impressed the Russian delegation greatly. After three weeks they went through Aden to Bombay, where they arrived on December 11. Two months have really flown by in India and Ceylon. Then the delegation visited Singapore, Java (Batavia), Siam (Thailand), Saigon (French Indochina), Hong-Kong, Khankou, Shanghai. Unfortunately, Nicholas's brother the Great Prince Georgiy got seriously sick, so they needed to send him home.

In the morning of April 15, 1891 "Pamyat Azova" frigate arrived to Nagasaki harbour, carrying Cesarevitch Nicholas on board. "We have finally seen the high shores of the desirable Japan", wrote Nicholas in his diary. (SA RF. C.601 In.1. F.225. P.160). The local citizens greeted the Russian delegation with great hospitality. "The streets and houses of Nagasaki have made a very pleasant impression: everything is so cleaned up and looks very tidy; it's a real pleasure to come inside their houses; the Japanese men and women are such cordial and amicable people..." — Cesarevitch wrote in his diary during the first days of his stay on the shores of Japan. Just like his predecessor the Great Prince Alexei Alexandrovich, Nicholas visited the little village of Inosa and its Russian cemetery: "we have found it in perfect condition; the chapel is in operating order, and the graves of Russian officers and seamen are in good shape".

The Russians found it very pleasant to wonder around the cosy little shops of Nagasaki. Some curious funny incidents happened on their way. When it started raining, Nicholas and his companions bought Japanese umbrellas. They couldn't understand why the locals would burst into laughter as soon as they saw the foreign group with the umbrellas.

On April 22 Prince Arusagava with his retinue visited the Russian frigate. Half an hour later was the official landing of the Heir of the Russian Throne Cesarevitch and the Great Prince Nikolay Alexandrovich on the Japanese land. A ceremonial dinner was organised at the Governor's mansion. Nicholas was made to sit on the cushions: "it was incredibly uncomfortable to sit this low, and my knees started to hurt", he wrote in his diary later, as he was summarising the impressions of the day.

Eight days in Nagasaki flew very quickly. On April 24 Nicholas and his retinue went to the city of Kahoshima, where they were greeted by Prince Arusagava, Sazumi Prince and the Governor — "amazingly neat people, the same as in Nagasaki, also very quiet, courteous and polite...". Sazumi Prince gave a dinner, and 170 warriors dressed in ancient Japanese war gear met the guests. "This Price is a pretty energetic person, he is a passionate adherent of the old customs and is greatly appreciated by Mikado", — that's how Nicholas described him with great liking. Nicholas visited the tobacco factory and the silk factory in the city, and was surprised to see women working everywhere.

Menu of a Dinner Held in Kyoto, Japan, 27 April 1891.

On April 27 the Russian delegation went to Osaka, and then to Kyoto. Looking out of the train window, Nicholas was surprised by the cleanliness and by the excellent cultivation of the fields and gardens. "We were perfectly well received In Kyoto, which is the ancient Japanese capital just like Moscow for Russians; we went along its streets on jinrickshas, and the streets were full of people. Japanese, Russian and Greek flags were everywhere, even on the paper lights; then we were brought to a big hotel, but Georgiy and I refused to stay there and gladly accommodated ourselves in a wonderful little Japanese house. After a huge lunch we went to the tea house to see the real geishas dance..." — wrote Nikolay Alexandrovich with real excitement. The country surprised the Russian delegation with its culture, its kind smiling residents, its cordiality and hospitality.

In Kyoto Nikolay visited the "all producers" exhibition. "We simply stared wide-eyed at all the wonders we saw there", — wrote he in his diary later. He couldn't resist buying a few souvenir items. Then the Russian group visited an old palace, which contained the most magnificent and vast collection of the Japanese applied art. While meeting the city seniors, Cesarevitch listened to the ceremonial greeting, and in response talked very warmly and kindly about the citizens courtesy and friendliness. He was strongly impressed by his further visit to the famous factory, where "gorgeous silk sashes and wonderful furniture fabrics are being made; we saw them working on a wonderful tapestry which they had started two years ago". (SA RF. C. 601. In.1. F.225. P. 167, 184-186).

Medical Findings of the Wound Taken by Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich in Otsu.

On the morning of April 29 Cesarevitch Nicholas with a small company took a ride on rickshaws to the little town of Ozu. They started their tour with a magnificent temple, admired the huge 1000 year old pine tree in the village of Karasami, and later had lunch at the Governor's. Having appraised the warm reception, the Russian guests started out back home, but they were only two hundred metres away, when a Japanese man in a police uniform rushed across their way. He was carrying a sabre. "What do you want?!" — Cesarevitch could only cry, and then he was hit on the right side of the back of his head. Nicholas had nothing to do but to rush into the confused crowd. The Greek Prince Georgiy saved the situation. The second strike of the assassin was alleviated by the reed "the sweet Georgie" was able to put under it, and then he managed to throw the fanatic down on the ground. All this happened literally within a few minutes. Two rickshaws rushed to the "policeman" to subdue him.* The Cesarevitch had his head bandaged and was taken back to the Governor's house.

*The rickshaws, who had saved the Cesarevitch's life, received the gold medals from Nikolay Alexandrovich and 2500 Dollars each. They were granted the monthly pension of $1000 till the end of their lives.

Nicholas was very moved by the fact that "the Japanese kneed with sorrowful faces while we were passing down the streets". (SA RF. C.601. In.1. F.2321. Sh.175-176). He had no doubts whatsoever, that this attempt was just an annoying misunderstanding. "I am absolutely not angry with all the Japanese because of the hideous behaviour of their one fanatic countryman", — for Nicholas and his companions it was obvious that this disgraceful prank was not a reflection of the true attitude of the Japanese people towards Russia.

In relation to the attempt upon the Russian Cesarevitch the State Prime Minister Count Mazukato was called to the Japanese Emperor's palace. The Prime Minister was assigned to settle the deplorable incident quickly within the framework of the law in order to maintain "our friendly relations with our good neighbour". (SA RF. C.601. In.1. F.1476, Sh.1.). Personal apologies on behalf of the Emperor and his family were provided to the Cesarevitch. Nicholas received over a thousand telegrams with condolences from all over Japan.

Mikado himself with two Princes came from Tokyo the next day after the attempt. He was received at the frigate with true Russian hospitality. A few days later Princess Kamazu visited Cesarevitch Nicholas. "I was deeply moved by her sympathy", — he wrote afterwards.

Gifts From Japanese People to Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich on Board of Frigate "Memory of Azov".

Various gifts were brought on board the frigate every day. "A whole boat full of presents for me was sent from Osaka; all the battery was stuck with gifts, there were frames, barrels and sacks, fruit liqueurs, sweets, pies and other...", — wrote Cesarevitch in his diary on May 4. (SA RF. C.601. In.1. F.225. P.201). Leaving Japan, Nicholas took not just presents with him, but very favourable impressions of the country, of its hospitable and courteous people, of its original culture and traditions: "It's strange, but I am leaving this curious country with sorrow and regret. I had liked it from the very first days, so that even that accident on April 29 did not leave any trace of bitterness or displeasure".

Annotations

Visit of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich,
son of Alexander II with a mission of good will to Japan in December 1872

Letter from Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich to his Brother Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich. Nagasaki, 28 December 1872. Sending to you and Pitz [Grand Duke Pavel Alexandrovich, younger brother of Alexei Alexandrovich] two Japanese statuettes: the one seated to you, and the one standing to Pitz. Here they are called netzke and are worn on the belt as cuff-links. Autograph. SA RF

Letter from Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich to his Mother Empress Maria Alexandrovna.
23 December 1872. Nagasaki.

Staying in Nagasaki was one of the most pleasant, as the climate is wonderful — not too hot but not cold, just as autumn in Crimea. The bay is absolutely calm and secured from the winds. ... I have bought ... here on your request various items, among which some are really remarkable.
A monogram "Alexei" and a stamp of the Ensign of the Imperial Russian Navy in the upper left corner.
20x25.5 cm; open 40x25.5 cm. SA RF

Letter from Empress Maria Alexandrovna to her Son Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich. 28 February/12 March 1873. Winter Palace. Stamped — Winter Palace, monogram and crown of Empress stamped in gold at the top of the letter. "… I want to write you at least several lines, dear Alexei, to thank you for your letter from Nagasaki, which I received on Thursday, on the first week of the Lent…" In French. 12.6x20.2 cm; open 20.2x25.2 cm. SA RF

Envelope and Letter from Emperor Alexander II to his Son Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich.
28 February/12 March 1873. St. Petersburg.

Imperial coat of arms stamped in the upper left corner. On the envelope is a red wax seal.
...dear Alexei, your letters sent from Nagasaki with a messenger, We have read with curiosity and pleasure, and We thank God, who is up to now blessing your voyage.
26x20 cm; open 40x26 cm.
Envelope 14x11 cm.
SA RF.

Reports by General and Vice-Admiral K.N. Posiete to Emperor Alexander II about the Voyage of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich to Europe and Asia in 1871-1872.

After the first mutual bows, His Majesty Matsuhito, addressing Grand Duke, said some words …which …the interpreter read in Russian in the following way: "In Your round-the-world voyage Your Highness also honored us in visiting my country. It is a great joy to me to greet You. I hope that His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress are in good health, and all Your Empire is in peace and happiness. Until now, Your honorable Empire and our country, being close neighbors, were tied by good and friendly relationships. This visit of Your Highness will even more reassure the friendly connection of both states — there could not be better happiness for my country and better joy for me".
In his responding speech Grand Duke said: "...I would be cordially rejoiced if my visit of Your Majesty and Japan will assist the strengthening of the friendship that, fortunately, exists between both nations and which is so much wished by His Majesty the Emperor".
34x26 cm; open 56х34 cm.
SA RF

Album of Empress Maria Alexandrovna with the Records of Prayers. 1841-1874. Cover: white velvet with golden brackets and jewels: 24 rubies, 9 sapphires, 10 pearls. In French, in German. SA RF

Photograph Album of Portraits of the Members of the House of Romanov and Other High-ranking Persons. [1870]

From personal archive of the foreign minister, chancellor A.M. Gorchakov.
Black leather cover with gold printing; corners designed with yellow metal; in the center of the top cover is a metallic plate with a monogram; on the side is a metal lock. Pages with golden border.
21.5x18x6.5 cm; open 40x21.5 cm
SA RF

Portrait of Empress Maria Alexandrovna. 1869.
Photographer S.L. Levitski.

On the back side an inscription in black ink, made by the minister of foreign affairs A.M.Gorchakov: "Donne par S.M.Imperatrice. Juin 1869".
On the mount, in the left: Levitski at Moyka, 30. St. Petersburg.
Mounted photograph: 14x10 cm; 16.5x10.5 cm.
SA RF
Maria Alexandrovna (1824-1880) — nee princess of Hesse-Darmstadt, daughter of Grand Duke of Hesse Ludwig II. Empress (1855), wife of Emperor Alexander II (1841). Had eight children.

A Drawing by Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich "Building of a Frigate" with the Autograph "24 December 1864. To Dear Papa from Alexei". 24 December 1864.

Indian ink, pen.
20x24 cm, mount: 30x40 cm.
SA RF

Journey abroad of the Heir to the Throne Tsarevich and Grand Duke Nikolai Alexandrovich
A visit to Japan in April-May 1891

Diary of Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich. 1891.

...In the morning it was calm and warm. After we left Kagosima bay we took an 8-knot speed not to reach Simonosaki straits at night. At 11 3/2 we were on traverse to Nagasaki. 25 April 1891.
Black leatherette cover. 21x13 cm;
SA RF

Letter from Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich to his Father Emperor Alexander III.
7 May 1891.

In the top left corner stamped: Frigate Memory of Azov.
In the centre of the top part is a colour stamp of Russian and Japanese flags.
I thank you cordially for your nice and interesting letter, that rejoiced me greatly. These were the first pages written by your dear hand that I read since an accident in Otsu on 29 April.
20x19 cm; open 40x19.
SA RF

Letter from Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich to his Mother Empress Maria Fedorovna.
2 May 1891. Cote, Japan.

At the top is a drawing by Nicholas and an inscription: R. Zhemchuzhnaya.
I am writing you these lines so that you could know directly from me the details of an accident that took place in Japan, the very countrythat interested me more than any other, and which, after seeing it, I liked so much.
20.5x14.5; open 26.5x14.5
SA RF

Menu of a Lunch Held in Otsu, Japan, 11 May 1891.
Semicircular white paper with gold border.
Inscribed by Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich in blue ink, center top: "Otsu".
Consomme a la Printaniers.
Saumon bouilly a sauce crevettes
Cotelettes de veau a la Maintenon
Cailles a la Francaise. Asperges en branche.
Beefsteak a l'allemande.
Glaces a la vanille.
Desserts.
19x10 cm.
SA RF
…Having spent a couple of pleasant days in Kyoto, we set off in the morning of 29 April in our rickshaws for the town of Otsu. We visited the temple and had lunch with the governor, and were just getting ready for our return to Kyoto when in happened. We had not gone two hundred paces when suddenly a Japanese policeman rushed into the middle of the street and, wielding a sword with both hands, struck me from behind on the right-hand side of my hand! I cried out in Russian: "What do you want?" and jumped over the rickshaw. Turning round, I saw that he was coming on me again with his sword raised, so I ran as fast as I could down the street, stemming the wound to my head with my hand. I tried to hide in the crowd, but they immediately ran off, and I had to take to my heels again to escape the pursuing policeman. In the end I stopped and turned round to see dear Georgie about ten paces from me, with the policeman, whom he had knocked to the ground with one blow of his cane, lying at his feet. Had Georgie not been in the rickshaw behind me, dearest Mama, perhaps I would never have seen you again! But God willed otherwise! When that monster fell, he was pounced upon by two rickshaw drivers; one of them used his sword to seize him by the neck and drag him bound to the nearest house. I was bandaged up and taken back to the governor's house. I was very touched by the Japanese, who knelt in the street as we passed and looked terribly sad. We returned to Kyoto by train, where I spent another two days. I have received a thousand telegrams from various Japanese expressing their regret. The emperor himself, and all the princes, came; I felt sorry for them, so stricken were they.
(From Tsarevich's letter to his mother Empress Maria Fedorovna, 2 May 1891. SA RF

Letter from Empress Maria Fedorovna to her Son Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich.
6 May 1891.
In the top left (p. 198. 204) colour stamp - monogram and crown of Maria Fedorovna, and an inscription Gatchina.

My darling, more than dear Nicky!
Thank God! You cannot imagine, with what horror and what bitter tears we have received that dreadful news! I could not believe my eyes and thought that I'm going mad! Luckily, the letter in which you write me that you are alive, came first…
In French, in Russian.
17.5x11.5 cm; 23x17.5 cm
SA RF

Letter from Emperor Alexander III to his Son Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich. 6 May 1891. Gatchina. In top left stamped: Gatchina. We are cordially grateful to our Lord, dear Nicky, for his great mercy of saving You for our joy and consolation. It's still hard to believe that it was true, that You were really wounded, that it's not a dream, not a nightmare. 20x13 cm; open 24x20 cm. SA RF

Program for a Sailing and Rowing Competition in Kobe, Japan, 6 May 1891.
Indian ink on paper.
Signed by the artist, Povasi, in black ink in the lower right-hand corner.
13.5x9 cm.
SA RF

At 3 o'clock the sailing race began, with boats from the whole squadron. I followed the Azov boats with keen interest. Despite the fact that the frigate has only been sailing for eight months, and the "Nakhimov" three years too long, its boats took 10 out of the 16 prizes. The rowing race was just as successful..
(From Tsarevich's diary, 16 May 1891. SA RF

Portrait of Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich and Prince George of Greece. [1891]. Photographer E. Honlenberg At the bottom stamped: E. Honlenberg Mounted photograph: 14.5x10 cm; 28x19.5 cm. SA RF

Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich and Prince George of Greece in Rickshaws.
Photographer H. Ueno.
In the right-hand side of the mount stamped: H. Ueno. Nagasaki, Japan.
On the back a stamp of the photographic studio.
Mounted photograph: 13.5x9.5 cm; 16.5x10.5
SA RF
At 2 o'clock went to Nagasaki with Georgie [Prince George of Greece] and Volkov. Had a shopping tour in rickshaws; I bought a lot of things.
SA RF.

Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich and Prince George of Greece on the Balcony of their Japanese Residence. Photograph by an unknown person from the retinue of Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich. 25x20 cm SA RF

The Reception of Russian Ships in Kagosima. 1891. Photograph by an unknown person from the retinue of Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich. 25x20 cm ГА РФ, Ф. 601, Оп. 1, Д. 1475, Л. 40

Portrait of Empress Maria Fedorovna. [Early 1890s]. Photographer S.L. Levitski. On the back side a stamp of the photographic studio. Mounted photograph: 31x19 cm; 32.5x20 cm ГА РФ, Ф. 642, Оп. 1, Д. 3419, Л. 17 Maria Fedorovna (1847-1928), nee Princess of Denmark Dagmar, fourth child in the family of Danish King Christian IX and Queen Luisa. Since 28 October 1866 — wife of heir to Russian throne Alexander Alexandrovich (future Alexander III), since 1881 — Empress. Emigrated from Russia in 1919. Died in Denmark, buried in the Royal Burial-Vault in Roskild.

Portrait of Emperor Alexander III [Early 1890s].
Photographer S.L. Levitski.
In the bottom right corner stamped: Levitski. At the bottom of the mount: Levitski. St. Petersburg.
On the back side is the stamp of the photographic studio.
Mounted photograph: 29.5x19 cm; 32.5x19.5 cm
ГА РФ, Ф. 642, Оп. 1 Д. 3340, Л. 32

Alexander III Alexandrovich (1845-1894) — second son of Emperor Alexander II. Emperor (1881-1894). Married (1866) to Maria Fedorovna, nee Princess of Denmark Dagmar (1847-1928). Children: Nicholas (186801918), Alexander (1869-1870), Georgi (1871-1899), Xenia (1875-1960), Mikhail (1878-1918), Olga (1882-1960). Died on 20 October 1894 in Livadia (Crimea) because of kidney illness.

Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich in a Rickshaw. Nagasaki, Japan, 1891.
Unknown photographer.
Inscribed in black ink at the bottom of the mount: His Majesty the Emperor during his stay in Japan when heir to the throne.
Mounted photograph: 22x18 cm; 25x31 cm
ГА РФ, Ф. 601, Оп. 1, Д. 2154, Л. 42

Got up for church…it was grey out with intermittent rain which spoilt the beautiful view of Nagasaki…At 2.30 I went with Kochubei to the same jetty and got into yesterday's rickshaw.
(From Tsarevich's diary, 24 April 1891. ГА РФ, Ф. 601, Оп. 1, Д. 225, Л. 164-165).

Inkstand in form of a sculptural group of 3 sailors of the Guards' Crew.
By A.Sokolov. 1871. Silver. 44х39x28cm.
The Central Naval Museum. № 9795.

The inkstand is decorated with a silver tape with a donative inscription "The Guards' Crew to the company commander. 1871" and engraved facsimile of 39 donators. It was a gift to Grand Duke Alexey Alexandrovich, who commanded the company of His Majesty's Guards' Crew from October, 1870 till May, 1871. Born in 1850 and acceptee as a seaman of the Gards' Crew, at the age of seven he was a warrant-officer , and in 1873 he was appointed the commander of the Guards' Crew.
The inkstand was acquired by the Central Naval Museum from the museum of Guards' Crew in 1918. It was executed in workshops of gold, silver and bronze products of Alexander Nikolaevich Sokolov, founded in St. Petersburg in 1858.

Model with masting of a 40-gun screw frigate "Svetlana". Executed in 1885 by one of the members of the frigate crew in scale 1:48
Wood. 158х28х138 cm.
The Central Naval Museum. №1117

The ship was constructed in 1858 on "Kolya&C" shipyard in Bordeaux (France) for the Baltic fleet. During 1874-1883 and 1884-1888 she was attributed to Guards' crew. Tsesarevich Alexander Alexandrovich was trained as a senior officer on His Majesty's service on this frigate. Members of the Imperial family made official visits to USA and other countries on board this frigate.
In 1876-1877 under command of grand Duke Alexey Alexandrovich she took part in cruiser service of Russian ships in Atlantic Ocean in connection with warcloud between Russia and England.

Art model above water of the armour-plated frigate "Vladimir Monomakh", executed in 1891 by Japanese craftsmen for Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich. Scale 1:192.
Black and palm wood. 83х37х48 cm.
The Central Naval Museum. №465.

The ship was constructed in 1882 at the Baltic factory in Saint Petersburg by ship engineer N.A.Samoylov. In 1883 she was a part of the Baltic fleet. In 1890-1891 she took part in Tsesarevich Nicholas Alkxandrovich round-the-world travel with call to Japan. She was a flagship, under the ensign of rear admiral V.G.Basargin, commander of group. Accompanied the cruiser "Pamyat Azova" where Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich was. Lost in Tsusima battle.
The model was made in Japan at the end of 19th century as a souvenir. It was presented to Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich during his round-the-world travel of 1890-1891.
Acquired by the Naval Museum from the palace collection in 1897.

Art model above water of the cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov", executed in 1889-1890 by Japanese craftsmen for Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich.
Wood. 84х38х46 cm.
The Central Naval Museum. №44619.

The ship was constructed in 1885 at the Baltic factory in Saint Petersburg for the Baltic fleet. In 1899-1890 she was attributed to the Guards' crew. Lost in Tsusima battle in May, 14, 1905.