On September 22 (September 10, old style), 1839, a Porphyry vase was installed at the Karpiev Pond in the Summer Garden.

It was a gift to Emperor Nicholas I from the Swedish king Charles XIV as a sign of goodwill after numerous wars between Russia and Sweden. The vase was made at the royal manufactory located in the city of Elfdalen. For the manufacture of the vase, granite was taken from the village of Garberg. In Sweden, pink granite is often referred to as porphyry. Blyberg granite was used as material for the base of the vase. The vase consists of five parts, and the manufactory’s craftsmen planned to assemble it on site.

The vase was delivered to St. Petersburg by sea. On the same ship were two Swedish craftsmen who were to assemble the vase.

Nicholas I refused the help of foreign masters, giving each of them a ring with a precious stone. Installation was carried out by local craftsmen.

Enjoy your walks in the gardens of the Russian Museum.

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