Trendpills
One of the most revered creations by the House of Fabergé, the "Winter Egg," is set to be a highlight of the art market season. The masterpiece will be offered at Christie's "Classic Week" auction in London on December 2, carrying an estimate of over £20 million (approximately $27 million). Should it meet expectations, it could reclaim its title as the most expensive Fabergé egg ever sold at auction.
Crafted in 1913, the egg was commissioned by Emperor Nicholas II as an Easter gift for his mother, the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Romanov Dynasty. The design was conceived by Alma Theresia Pihl, one of the few female artisans who worked for Fabergé. The exterior is intricately carved from rock crystal to resemble melting ice, etched with frost-like engravings, and adorned with platinum-set diamonds. While some sources report 1,660 diamonds, others cite over 3,000.
The egg opens to reveal a surprise: a platinum basket filled with wood anemones. The flowers are fashioned from white quartz petals and nephrite leaves, with a demantoid garnet at their center. This intricate creation is considered a pinnacle of Fabergé's craftsmanship, blending artistry with precious materials to capture the transition from winter to spring.
The Winter Egg's journey through history is as remarkable as its design. Following the Russian Revolution, it was one of the Imperial treasures sold by the new Soviet government to raise foreign currency. According to Christie's, it passed through several private collectors before making its way to auction. The piece has a history of setting records, having achieved world-record prices for a Fabergé object at Christie's sales in both 1994 and 2002.
As one of only 50 Imperial Easter Eggs ever made, and one of even fewer held in private collections, its appearance at auction is a significant event. The detailed history and royal provenance of the egg contribute significantly to its value and appeal among top-tier collectors. Its sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire a legendary piece of pre-revolutionary Russian art.
