A stunning crystal and diamond Fabergé egg, known as the Winter Egg, is set for auction in London. This exquisite piece, valued at over £20 million ($26.4 million), was crafted for Russia’s royal family just before their fall in 1917.
Christie’s auction house describes the Winter Egg as one of only seven remaining in private hands. The auction will take place at their London headquarters on Tuesday. This 4-inch tall egg is adorned with a delicate snowflake design made of platinum and 4,500 tiny diamonds. When opened, it reveals a hidden basket filled with beautiful quartz flowers, symbolizing spring.
Margo Oganesian, head of Christie’s Russian art department, calls it “the Mona Lisa for decorative arts,” emphasizing its exquisite craftsmanship. This egg is one of two created by Alma Pihl, a rare female designer at the time. It was a gift from Czar Nicholas II to his mother, Maria Feodorovna, for Easter in 1913. The only other egg by Pihl is part of the British royal family’s collection.
The tradition of creating Fabergé eggs started with Czar Alexander III, who gifted one to his wife each Easter. Czar Nicholas II later expanded this tradition to include his wife and mother. In total, over 50 unique eggs were made for the imperial family, each containing a hidden surprise.
The Romanov dynasty ruled Russia for about 300 years until the revolution in 1917, which saw Nicholas II and his family executed in 1918. The Winter Egg has a fascinating history itself. After being sold by cash-strapped Communist authorities in the 1920s for a mere £450, it seemed lost for nearly 20 years. It resurfaced when sold by Christie’s in 1994 for over 7 million Swiss francs ($5.6 million at that time) and then sold again for $9.6 million in 2002.
This auction could break records, surpassing the $18.5 million previously paid for a Fabergé egg in 2007. Currently, there are 43 surviving Imperial Fabergé eggs, mostly housed in museums.
This upcoming auction is not just a sale of luxury. It’s a glimpse into Russia’s rich history and artistry. As interest in rare collectibles grows, expect lively discussions on social media as art lovers track this auction and speculate on the final bid. For anyone keen on art, history, or luxury collectibles, this event is certainly one to watch.
Source link
Royalty, Business, Lifestyle, World news, General news, Article, 127924476
