The present lot was most likely a gift to Emperor Menelik II (1844 - 1913) of Ethiopia or his cousin Ras Makonnen (1852-1906) by a Russian delegation in 1902. As part of modernization of Ethiopia, Emperor Menelik looked to expand diplomatic ties, leading to the first Russian diplomatic and military mission to Ethiopia in 1893 during which a Russo-Ethiopian alliance was formed. In 1902, an Ethiopian delegation was sent to Saint Petersburg, and a permanent Russian diplomatic presence was established in Addis Ababa the same year.

The Imperial Russian Cabinet ledgers of 1902 record two samovar sets. One was presented to Emperor Melenik II (1844-1913) at cost of 2,000 roubles, and the other one given to Ras Tafari Makonnen (1852-1906), for 1,200 roubles, together with a separate tea service for additional 800 roubles. Ras Makonnen was Emperor Melenik’s cousin and the father of Emperor Haile Selassie I, who later inherited the set.

Ethiopia under Emperor Menelik II and Relations with Russia Emperor
Emperor Menelik is considered the founder of Modern Ethiopia, as following his ascension to the throne, he quickly worked to consolidate power over the various kingdom’s in the region, and expand the borders of the kingdom almost to that of the present day. Additionally, Menelik helped found the capitol of Addis Ababa, creating a new Royal Palace to replace the traveling royal encampment of previous emperors. Between 1893 and Menelik’s death in 1913, thousands of advisors and diplomats were sent from Russia to Ethiopia, including the poets Alexander Bulatovich and Nikolay Gumilyov, who developed their own close personal ties with Menelik.

Emperor Haile Selassie I (1892 - 1975)
Emperor Menelik II suffered a massive stroke in 1909, and though still Emperor, the country was ruled by a reagent until his death in 1913. Though the title of emperor should have passed to Lij Iyasu, Menelik’s eldest eligible grandson, he was disliked by the Ethiopian nobility and was never officially crowned. Instead it was his daughter who became Empress Zewditu I (1876 – 1930) in 1916. Zewditu was largely a figurehead, though, with power mainly in the hands of regent Ras Tafari Makonnen, whose paternal grandmother was an aunt of Menelik, and who would succeed Zewditu as Emperor Haile Selassie I upon her death in 1930.

Under Selassie, Ethiopia continued its path of modernization, including the introduction of the first written constitution in 1931 which created a legislature, though kept power in the hands of the nobility. Beginning in 1934, though, Ethiopia was invaded by Italy under Mussolini’s attempts to avenge past Italian losses in Ethiopia and expand their imperialist reach. Selassie initially led the Ethiopian offensive to push the Italians out, but by 1936 it was decided that he and his family should go into exile in Europe to seek assistance from the League of Nations in Geneva. Selassie remained in exile, living in Bath, England, until 1941, continuing to condemn the Italian occupation and seek assistance in returning to Ethiopia. To pay for living expenses during this time, Selassie was forced to sell some of the silver and jewelry he had brought with him, which is likely when the present lot left his collection. Ethiopia was finally liberated with the help of British forces in 1941 and Selassie was returned to the throne, which he held until his death in 1975.

We are grateful to Dmitry Krivoshei for his assistance with the research of the present lot.