614. NICHOLAS II "CUP OF SORROWS" Fine relic from the coronation of Russian Tsar Nicholas II, the "Khodynka" cup, or "Cup of Sorrows" made to honor the event. The ceramic-covered copper cup measures 4" tall and 3 1/2" wide at top, bearing the crowned ciphers of Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra above the date "1896". On the opposite side is the Russian Imperial double-headed eagle, with the balance of the cup bearing a rust and pale blue latticework design between gilt edgings at top and bottom. These cups were distributed to the public on the morning following the coronation, on a large military training field crossed with trenches and ditches. On that balmy day, a rumor shot through the crowd that there was a shortage of these mementos, and the crowd surged toward the distribution points, with many being trampled and crushed underfoot. Also included is an icon honoring Nicholas, now canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church. The cup is in superb condition, with just the slightest wear to the gilding at top, and a very few miniscule chips to the porcelain on the body. Sold with a beautiful modern icon, 13" x 16", apparently printed on board, depicting Nicholas, Alexandra and the royal family as saints. Two pieces.                             $700 - 900