Crockery fit for a king demonstrates Russia's evolution

The pan, which may have been used to serve Peter's guests at royal feasts, is now on display at the National Museum of China in Beijing as part of an exhibition of 138 artifacts from the collection of Moscow Kremlin Museums.

The exhibition, which runs until March 16, will open visitors' eyes to the gastronomic evolution of Russian over the centuries, through the artistry of the tableware, paintings and other objects used by the czars.

It is also a mirror of the evolution of Russia's history, customs and art, and its progress toward becoming a world power.