Stunning Fabergé Egg Sets Record at Auction, Fetching £22.9 Million
A diamond-encrusted Fabergé egg, known as the Winter Egg, has set a new auction record by selling for £22.9 million ($30.2 million) in London. This exquisite piece, once owned by the Russian imperial family, underscores the lasting allure of Fabergé’s craftsmanship.
The stunning sale highlights not only the significance of historical artifacts but also the continuing demand for masterpieces that embody luxury and tradition.
Key Developments
- The Winter Egg was acquired by an anonymous bidder at Christie’s auction house.
- Commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II in 1913, the egg is ornamented with 4,500 diamonds.
- This auction marks a new world record for a Fabergé work, surpassing the previous high of £8.9 million set in 2007.
- The egg stands 8.2 cm (3.2 in) tall and reveals a delicate basket of quartz flowers when opened.
- Only seven of the original 50 Fabergé eggs made for the Romanov family remain in private ownership today.
Full Report
A Historic Sale
The Winter Egg, created by renowned jeweler Carl Fabergé, showcases intricate craftsmanship and immense cultural heritage. Its unique design was inspired by Alma Theresia Pihl, one of the few female artisans at St. Petersburg’s prestigious jewelry company. The egg’s elegant form is carved from rock crystal and adorned with platinum snowflake motifs, making it one of Fabergé’s most celebrated creations.
Significance of the Auction
According to Margo Oganesian from Christie’s, the sale reinforces the ongoing importance of Fabergé’s works in the art and jewelry markets. “Today’s result sets a new world auction record for a work by Fabergé,” Oganesian stated, emphasizing the masterpiece’s enduring value.
Context & Previous Events
The iconic Fabergé eggs were crafted from 1885 until 1917, when Tsar Nicholas II abdicated. Originally, 50 eggs were made for the Romanov family, but only a handful are still in private collections, with many either lost or held by museums.
