For the first time in almost a century, the Imperial Diamond Trellis Egg of 1892 has been reunited with its hidden ‘surprise’, a jewelled miniature elephant automaton.
With thanks to a loan from Queen Elizabeth II, the elephant automaton has travelled to Houston, Texas, to be reunited with the Diamond Trellis Egg, within which it was originally concealed, for a special exhibition at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
The Diamond Trellis Egg, commission from Peter Carl Fabergé by Tsar Alexander III, and today part of the McFerrin Fabergé collection, has been without its jewelled ‘surprise’ for over 80 years. The elephant automaton, which was recently discovered in the British Royal Family’s art collection, is crafted out of ivory, gold and enamel, and embellished with diamonds and rubies. It is wound with a watch key, powering the miniature masterpiece to walk, whilst lifting its head up and down.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is currently showcasing a special exhibition, ‘Fabergé: Royal Gifts featuring the Trellis Egg Surprise’, in celebration of the Dorothy and Artie McFerrin Gallery. The Diamond Trellis Egg and its embellished surprise are on display, amongst the rest of the remarkable McFerrin Fabergé Collection, allowing visitors to experience the excellence of Fabergé’s creativity, craftsmanship and design.
Photo courtesy of the Houston Museum of Natural Science
