One-of-a-kind Tsarist furniture almost sold

A rare 19th century collection of chairs and sofas from the Russian Imperial Winter palace in St. Petersburg has been discovered at Helsinki’s Bukowski auction.

The 2009 International Spring Sale at Finland’s Bukowski Auction House boasted a truly unique Russian flavor. Even for its most experienced experts lot number 325 was no ordinary find. The suite of imperial furniture was found in a home in Finland and was up for sale at the auction.

“The owners… came to me at the end of January with the picture of the furniture they wanted to sell and when I saw the serial number I realised it was something that had to do with the Winter Palace,” said Maria Ekman-Kolari, Specialist at Bukowski Auction House

Unbeknownst to its Finnish owners, the 11-piece set did indeed once grace the Silver Salon at St Petersburg’s Winter Palace, which belonged to Russia’s last imperial couple – Czar Nikolai the Second and his spouse Alexandra Fyodorovna.

The discovery meant an unprecedented level of interest in Thursday’s auction, but in a last minute twist, a different family member came forward to claim ownership of the furniture, meaning its sale had to be postponed and those keen to see Russia’s heritage brought home were left disappointed.

Imperial furniture from St. Petersburg's Winter Palace at Bukowski Auction House. Image from www.yle.fi

“We won’t give up as the set is an outstanding and unique example of skilled Russian furniture-making from the late 19th century,” said Viktor Faibisovich, Head of New Acquisitions at the Hermitage.

Bukowski’s Spring collection contained some 100 lots of Russian artifacts in total – including silverwork, paintings and nine Faberge pieces.

“We have been a part of Russia from 1809-1917. Due to our historic connections with Russia we have a lot of Russian objects and in the past auctions they have sold very well,” said Christian Boman, Chief Executive Officer at Bukowski.

Indeed, if one takes a stroll around Helsinki’s Senate Square there is no way of escaping the steady stare of the Statue of Alexander II, which serves as a constant reminder to the people there of the deep and intricate history that binds Russia and Finland.