China Palace (Lomonosov)

Categories / Architecture/Architectural Monuments/Palaces
CHINA PALACE, a Rococo architectural monument, constructed in 1762-68 in the Upper Park of Oranienbaum (architect A. Rinaldi) as the Holland House. The China Palace acquired its name in the 19th century. The China Palace was designed as a garden pavilion; with wide-open window-doors, placed on a low stylobate, forming a terrace. Originally, the China Palace consisted of a single-story; in 1852-53, it was reconstructed under the guidance of the architect K. K. Bonstedt, at the same time the architect A. I. Stakensсhneider built the second floor above the enfilade of gala rooms, and between corbels a glazed gallery appeared. The northern facade has retained the original decor. The gala enfilade encompasses seven halls. The trimmings of Bugles study boast smalts invented by M.V. Lomonosov. The interiors of the China Place is decorated with paintings on silk and satin with stylised Chinese motives, allegoric portraits of ladies of the court (painter de Saint-Soit), as well as portraits by painters P. Rotari, G.C. Grot, S. Torelli; the latter is also the author of decorative painting in the Hall of Muses. The unique parquet floor was executed by Russian craftsmen from various species of wood to the drawings of Rinaldi. D.B. Tiepolo's plafond Triumph of Mars adorning the Grand (Oval) Hall was lost in 1941-1945.

References: Клементьев В. Г. Китайский дворец в Ораниенбауме. СПб., 1998.

O. A. Chekanova. Abaza Alexander Aggeevich
Bonstedt Lyubim (Ludwig) Lyubimovich
Grot Georg Christofor
Lomonosov Mikhail Vasilievich
Rinaldi Antonio
Rotari Pietro Antonio
Saint-Soit de Jean
Stakensсhneider Andrey Ivanovich
Tiepolo Giovanni Battista
Torelli Stefano
Клементьев В. Г. Китайский дворец в Ораниенбауме. СПб., 1998 1768