RUSSIAN KHODYNKA 'CUP OF SORROWS', 1896 an enamel beaker commemorating the Coronation of Tsar Nicholas II on May 18, 1896; the nickname for this cup was thought up by the Tsarina Alexandra.

Following the Russian tradition these cups were distributed along with gifts of food and scarves to celebrate the Coronation of Nicholas and Alexandra to people who came to watch the Coronation. The Khodynka Field where the spectators stood was full of holes and was in terrible shape as it was an Army training ground. The Field was too small for the number of people (thought to be about 500,000) who came and there was neither the room to stand nor enough souvenirs. Apparently, a rumor went around that one of these cups held a gold coin. A stampede resulted and over a thousand people were trampled to death. Nicholas earned the nickname 'Bloody Nicholas' and it was an inauspicious start to his doomed reign.

Some restauration on the bottom rim of the cup, but otherwise in fine condition.

A rare item.