Enameled pewter frame with portrait of Tsar Nicholas II (reproduction); 5¼" sq. Tiny portrait of Alexei, in brass frame (reproduction); 1½". Pair of decorative, brass wine goblets with Imperial Russian Double Headed Eagle (nice patina from age); 5½" tall.

This collection is well suited for your Impoverished Russian Aristocrat Room Abroad, a home decor style promoted by Maison Russe, our shop in Lisle, Illinois, since 1976. Look for us on the web!

The tragic events of 1917-18 forced many Russians to flee their homeland and live abroad. Paris, Berlin, Prague, and Vilnius, were popular destinations in which to set up and decorate their new home-away-from-home. In decorating an apartment the impoverished Russian aristocrat abroad sought to recreate the rich surroundings left behind. As time and budget would allow, reproductions and imperfect originals, along with suitable odds and ends, such as boxes and candlesticks, were collected and enjoyed. At Maison Russe, our idea for the Impoverished Russian Aristocrat Room Abroad is to revive, support, and provide materials for designing such a space in your home. Currently popular and suggested forms for IRAA rooms include: guest room, writer’s den, hunter’s lodge, man cave, student’s room, studio... But, you can start small by simply using a desk, mantle, or a shelf, and let it grow from there.