A remarkable Fabergé egg, known as the Winter Egg, has made headlines after selling for a staggering £22.9 million ($30.2 million) at a recent auction. This sale took place at Christie’s in London. It set a new record for the highest price ever achieved for a Fabergé work at auction.
Historical Significance of the Winter Egg
Commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II in 1913, the Winter Egg was intended as a gift for his mother. Bidding for the egg lasted three minutes, ending with an anonymous buyer securing the piece. The final price exceeded Christie’s presale estimate of £20 million ($26 million).
Rarity and Artistic Value
The Fabergé Imperial Eggs are increasingly rare, with the Winter Egg being one of only seven left in private ownership. These exquisite creations have not appeared at auction for over 23 years. The St. Petersburg jewelry house produced just 50 of these iconic eggs between 1885 and 1916.
- Produced for: Tsar Nicholas II
- Year of commission: 1913
- Final auction price: £22.9 million ($30.2 million)
- Number of Fabergé Imperial Eggs in private hands: 7
Design and Craftsmanship
The Winter Egg is distinguished by its stunning design, created by jeweler Alma Pihl. The egg’s exterior mimics ice covered in frost, made from rock crystal and adorned with a snowflake motif featuring platinum and 4,500 rosecut diamonds. It also contains a hidden surprise a tiny basket with delicately crafted flowers made from quartz and nephrite.
Legacy and Auction History
The importance of this piece extends beyond its current auction. After the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Winter Egg changed hands several times, initially purchased by Wartski in the late 1920s. It reemerged at auction in 1994, selling for over 7.2 million Swiss francs, which set a previous record.
In 2002, it broke that record again, fetching $9.6 million in New York. This latest sale underscores the Winter Egg’s significance in the art world and highlights the extraordinary skill involved in its creation, reflective of a bygone era of luxury and artistry.
Conclusion
The sale of the Winter Egg for a recordbreaking price reaffirms the enduring allure and value of Fabergé creations. Collectors view this as a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of history.