Eight porcelain plates from the service of the order of St Vladimir, Gardner Porcelain Manufactory, Verbilki, 1778-1780

In 1782, five years after Catherine's Cabinet had ordered the first three of the Order Services, the Empress founded the Order of St Vladimir, in part to mark the twentieth anniversary of her accession to the throne. For the new order, her Cabinet ordered the largest service thus far with a total of 120 covers. Credited with having brought Christianity to Russia, Prince Vladimir was canonised by the Orthodox church and was called 'equal to the apostles.' The Service for the Order of St Vladimir was first used at the Winter Palace at the ceremony held on the saint's feast day, 22 September 1785.