converted into money; many
objects in gold and silver and jewelled work being at the same time
given in pledge to the troops of Vladislas IV. There are therefore
few examples earlier than the dynasty of the Romanoffs.

The treasure contains also some of the most highly venerated icons,
crosses, and reliquaries in Russia. As regards many of these it
is difficult to assign a date or a place of production. Many of
them have histories more or less legendary, but while some may
appear to belong absolutely to the Greek school, we must not forget
that Russia sent its workmen to Mount Athos to be instructed and
to work there, and on their return the traditions and models of
the school were scrupulously observed in the workshops of Moscow.

The regalia of the ancient Tsars scarcely yield in interest to
that of any other country. They consist of a large number of crowns
or jewelled caps of peculiar form, of orbs and sceptres, of the
imperial costume, and especially of that peculiar part of the latter,
a kind of collar or shoulder ornament, known as the _barmi_.

Other important pieces of the regalia of Alexis Michailovitch are
the orbs and sceptres, the bow and arrow case of the same description
of workmanship. These are gorgeous specimens of jewelled and enamelled
work attributed to Constantinople. The sceptre of the Tsar Michailovitch
is of similar enamelled work, and is probably a good specimen of
the effect of western influence on the goldsmiths of Moscow. The
figures especially appear to be of the Italian renaissance. Another
sceptre is unmistakably Russian work, and if not of pure taste is
at least of fine workmanship and imposing magnificence.

The thrones are of high interest from more than one point of view.
We must content ourselves with choosing two from amongst them,
viz.: the ivory throne of Ivan III. (_Antiquities of the Russian
Empire_, ii. 84-100), and the throne known as the Persian throne
(_Ibid_, ii. 62-66).

The first was brought from Constantinople in 1472 by the Tsarina
Sophia Paleologus, who, by her marriage with Ivan III., united
the coats of arms of Byzantium and Russia.

There is a certain resemblance between this throne and that known
as the chair of St. Peter at Rome. The general form is the same, as
is the manner in which the ivory plaques and their borderings are
placed. The second throne is a magnificent work, which, according
to a register as the _Book of Embassies_, was sent from Persia in