Dubok, Alexandriyskoye Highway, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 198510
The prank fountain "Dubok" is one of the prank fountains of the Peterhof Palace and Park Ensemble. It is located in the Lower Park near the Montplaisir Alley. The prank fountain was created in 1735; originally, its surface was covered with gold paint. The branched six-meter hollow tree trunk made of tin tubes was externally covered with lead, which imitated bark. The project author was Rastrelli, and the fountain master was Sualem. Initially, the prank fountain was located in the Upper Garden. In the mid-18th century, it was removed from there. In 1802, it was installed by master Strelnikov in a bosquet near the Montplaisir Alley. The prank fountain "Dubok" consists of a metal tree, five tulips, and two benches. Metal oak leaves (500 tubular branches and 2,500 leaves) are attached to the tree. Jets of water burst from the hollow tube branches of the tree and from the tulips. The branched six-meter hollow tree trunk, externally covered with lead imitating bark, is filled with water from the root to the top and to the tip of each branch, from where jets burst out. Around "Dubok" are large fountain "tulips," and nearby stand two wooden benches. Behind their backs are hidden 41 tubes each, from which silvery jets of water suddenly shoot upwards, drenching passing guests.
The fountain was destroyed during the Great Patriotic War. After the war, based on surviving drawings and a preserved twig with leaves (which is displayed at the Grottos of the Grand Cascade), under the green paint of which gilding appeared, the prank fountain was recreated in 1953. The restoration was led by the father and son Lavrentievs.
Sources:
https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Дубок_(фонтан-шутиха)
https://peterhofmuseum.ru/objects/peterhof/fontan_shutiha_dubok
