Russian art this season is well represented at the key auction houses in London and New York: Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams and MacDougall’s, which are showcasing over 125 antique Fabergé pieces, including a variety of precious Russian works of art.
Christie’s starts off the auctions on 20th May 2015 in New York with over 35 Fabergé pieces going under the hammer. The highlights of this auction include a gold amethyst and diamond brooch, with Imperial provenance, previously owned by the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna. This piece is estimated at $30,000-$50,000 and was crafted by Fabergé workmaster August Holmstrom in St. Petersburg, circa 1898. Additionally, a heart-shaped photograph frame with white enamelling and rays of guilloché with three oval enamelled agate hinged covers, estimated at $60,000-$80,000, is a rare objet d’art which features photographs of the Grand Duke George Mikhailovich, Grand Duchess Marie Georgievna and Princess Nina Georgievna.
In London, Russian Art Week commences with Christie’s on 2nd June 2015. A highlight of this sale is the intricate jewelled two-colour gold-mounted guilloché enamelled desk clock which is estimated at £80,000-£120,000 and made in 1899 by Fabergé workmaster Michael Perchin. This creation features the signature techniques of the House of Fabergé, detailed guilloché enamelling and ornate gold decorations, which were inspired by the 18th century French goldsmiths.
Sotheby’s auction taking place on the 2nd June 2015 is offering 33 exceptional antique Fabergé pieces. A notable lot is a military designed, trophy-like, large Fabergé timepiece adorned with the helmet of an officer of His Majesty Alexander III's Life-Guard Cuirassier Regiment. This piece, created by Fabergé workmaster Julius Rappoport in 1890 was presented to the Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich by the officers of the Horse Guards (£100,000-£150,000).
Additionally, MacDougall’s auction on the 3rd June 2015 features a remarkable Fabergé punch set, made of silver, enamelled in a variety of colours, resembling that of foliage, and set with cabochon gemstones. Created in 1895, this exceptional set is estimated to sell at £160,000-£180,000.
Lastly, the Bonham’s auction on 3rd June 2015 features a carved nephrite stone frog with diamond-set eyes. Made in 1900 it was claimed to have been acquired by Empress Maria Fedorovna, as stated on a Fabergé invoice from 1904 (£15,000-£18,000). A delicate 1908 blue enamelled cigarette case with a wave-like guilloché, featuring a blue cabochon sapphire on the push button is another highlight of this auction at £8,000-£10,000.
Find out more about the auctions of pre-revolutionary Fabergé pieces at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams, and MacDougall’s.
Fabergé collections are available online or in our international boutiques.
