This room was wall-to-wall showcases of Russian porcelain, a large part of it pieces from four dessert services that Catherine the Great commissioned in the late 18th century. They are distinguished by stars, badges and ribbons – the insignia of Russia’s most elite orders of individuals recognized for exceptional military or government service.

The porcelain services were used at dinners given once a year to honor the knights of the four imperial orders, named for Russia’s most important saints.

These plates are part of the St. Vladimir service, distinguished by a red ribbon bordered in black and with a gold and silver star.

Parterre, posted earlier: