Catherine the Great's Ice Cream Coolers

This piece, along with 4 other ice cream coolers and nearly 800 other pieces were commissioned by Catherine II (the Great) of Russia to form a dessert, dinner, tea and coffee, and biscuit service.

Imagine having the responsibility of transporting 800 pieces of exceptionally precious and expensive porcelain all the way from France to Russia before trains, planes, lorries, tarmacked roads and bubble wrap – even the thought induces a high level of stress!

Catherine was heavily involved in the design of these pieces, she specifically requested the incredible bright turquoise blue colour, named ‘bleu céleste’. At the time, it was the most expensive colour to produce.

Although a very decorative piece, the ice cream cooler actually did work quite well. Inside there would have been a separate bowl which held the ice cream, and sat on top of crushed ice. The deep lid would also have held ice as an extra cooling mechanism.

Looking closely at the decoration and reading the visual clues, gives an insight into Catherine’s life, interests and the image she wanted to portray of herself.

This particular piece shows Apollo on his chariot, riding above the clouds, perhaps charging over the horizon to bring in the day, or heralding the arrival of night. Other prices show other scenes from Apollo’s life, such as his musical competition with the satyr Marsyas. 

Catherine II was also said to be a great collector of cameos, which have also been reflected on this piece – perhaps one of them is a self-portrait to make it even more clear she is portraying herself as a powerful ruler.

You can also see on the top of the handle and hanging down the sides of the top edge are beautiful gold icicles, a clue of the treat that might be within!