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When we think of Russia, we often imagine whimsical nesting dolls or gem-encrusted Faberge eggs. These objects—with their charming bright colors and over-the-top luxury—have become synonymous with the paradoxes of Russian culture, at once modest in its peasant origins and exuberant in its expressions of imperial power. This seminar will trace the rise of the Russian empire through a series of objects. How do things, and the materials they are made from, contribute to the articulation of a Russian national identity in the nineteenth century? How might a stone vase, wooden toy, silver pistol, or article of clothing reveal stories about the people who made, purchased, and used them? How might they unlock narratives about the environment, modern industry, and an ever more global state actor? In this seminar, we will practice looking at and analyzing objects, supplementing these encounters with relevant works of literature, history, and theory.