A celebratory gramota presented by the Horse Guards Regiment to the Finliandsky Guards Regiment on the occasion of their 125-years anniversary. With a stunning original border design by the Russian émigré artist Boris Zvorykin

The Horse and Finliandsky Guards Regiments enjoyed a long and glorious history of military successes, having participated together in various campaigns, including during the Patriotic War of 1812, Crimean War 1853 – 1856 and Russo-Turkish War 1877 - 78. After the Revolution, many officers and commanders settled in Paris and formed unions of the guards, continuing to perform ceremonial duties and engaging in public activities.

The design of the gramota was commissioned to the eminent artist Boris Zvorykin. Born in Moscow in 1872, Zvorykin devoted himself to decorative art after graduating from the Moscow Academy of Painting. He followed Ivan Bilibin's style inspired by medieval Russia and traditional folk culture, and became in his own right one of the greatest Russian book illustrators. Zvorykin left Russia after the Revolution and settled finally in Paris, where he found employment in the publishing house of H. Piazza.

The decorative border of the gramota incorporates several important elements, including the banners of The Horse and Finliandsky Guards Regiments, dates marking the 125-year anniversary since the establishment of the Finliandsky Guards Regiment, names and dates of the four battles for which the regiment was awarded merits in fights and monograms of its Honorary Chiefs.

The congratulatory text is signed by the deputy head of the Union of the Horse Guards, the Сhamberlain of the Highest Court Georgiy Vuich (1867 - 1957).

Gouache, watercolour, metallic inks, and brown ink on vellum, 37 x 47 cm, text signed by Georgiy Vuich, dated 25 December, 1931, signature of the artist Boris Zworykin in lower right corner; central fold, some loss of paint in upper margin.