Commencing this week and culminating on 28th November, London Russian Art Week showcases the finest examples of Russian decorative arts. Taking place at prestigious auction houses Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Bonhams, these collectible treasures are not to be missed. This year, more than 120 antique Fabergé pieces, across a variety of materials from porcelain, glass and metalwork to enamels and jewellery, will be going under the hammer.
Peter Carl Fabergé, legendary artist-jeweller and goldsmith to the Russian Imperial Court, was behind the creation of these timeless masterpieces that often evoke the captivating story and the tragic end of the Romanov dynasty.
Starting off the week on 24th November is Christie’s with over 65 Fabergé pieces for sale at auction, including artefacts of imperial provenance. A key highlight is a gold and blue guilloché enamel and diamond-set cornflower study mounted on a base of rock crystal, estimated to sell at £200,000-£300,000. This piece was inspired by Russian art and the rise of European jewelled bouquets of the 18th century.
Additionally, exceptional Fabergé pieces on sale at Christie's include: a two-toned gold snuff box with a diamond set emblem of Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich estimated at £40,000-£60,000, a diamond and emerald gold-set brooch (£10,000-£15,000) and a pair of gold mounted, pink enamel perfume bottles made in 1899 (£60,000-£80,000).
Sotheby’s auction taking place on 25th November is offering over 30 antique Fabergé pieces. The highlight of their sale is a stunning Fabergé gold cigarette case set with the jewelled imperial eagle, given by Emperor Nicholas II to Hans-Falk Dressen, who played a significant role during the First World War, and estimated at £70,000-£80,000.
Other important offerings include a silver-gilt and enamelled timepiece made in 1908, expected to fetch £50,000-£70,000 and an intricately designed jewelled gold and pink enamelled locket bordered with diamonds made in 1899 by Fabergé workmaster August Holmstrom, estimated at £4,000-£6,000.
Finally, the Bonham’s auction on 26th November features over 20 Fabergé pieces, including a magnificent jewelled pale blue picture frame with guilloché enamelling and bordered with pearls, made by Fabergé workmaster Viktor Aarne. This piece is estimated to reach £20,000-£30,000. Another exquisite creation in this auction is a silver-mounted glass vase, with Rococo-style detailing, made in 1899 and estimated at £28,000-£32,000.
Find out more about the auctions of pre-revolutionary Fabergé pieces at Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Bonhams.
Fabergé collections are available online or in our international boutiques.
