Christies Announces Monumental Sale Of Fabergé Winter Egg Of 1913

Fabergé is thrilled with the news that Christie’s London will be presenting the Fabergé Winter Egg of 1913 at auction on 2nd December 2025, with an estimate on request in excess of £20m. 

This is a monumental occasion for Fabergé and the art world; the Winter Egg was the last Fabergé Imperial Class Egg to be sold at auction, at Christie’s New York in 2002 for $9.6m. In 2014, the Fabergé Third Imperial Egg of 1887 was acquired by a private collector for the sum of $33m, however this sale was completed privately, therefore the announcement of this auction is the first of its kind in 23 years. 

Mr Sergei Mosunov, owner of Fabergé; “I am profoundly excited that this masterpiece has come to the market and it was an honour and privilege to have the opportunity to privately view, and hold, the Fabergé Winter Egg at Christie’s before the announcement was made. For me, this unique objet d’art embodies the historic legacy of the House of Fabergé and the story of Northern Palmyra, realised through exceptional artistry and craftsmanship. This special moment has truly inspired me in my vision for Fabergé, working hard to unite past, present and future, and reaffirms my desire to develop a unique Fabergé brand archive”. Mr Mosunov acquired Fabergé in August 2025.

The Fabergé Winter Egg was commissioned by Emperor Nicholas II as an Easter gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna in 1913. The exquisite creation was designed by Fabergé highly celebrated female designer, Alma Pihl and it was executed by her uncle, workmaster Albert Holmström – a serendipitous anecdote is that today, 2nd October, commemorates Holmström’s birthday.

The Winter Egg encapsulates the essence of winter in a frozen wonderland, through the interplay between carved rock crystal and white diamonds. The egg is crafted from rock crystal as thin as glass, embellished with engraving along with platinum and diamonds to resemble frosts. The egg rests on a rock crystal base designed, and carved, to resemble block of melting ice. As with all Fabergé eggs, the creation opens to reveal a surprise nestled inside – on this occasion, a delicate bouquet of wood anemones which appear to burst through the frosts. The flowers are made from white quartz, nephrite, demantoid garnets and gold, and they emerge from moss made of green gold. The overall height is 14.2cm, and the creation is set with a total of 3,246 diamonds.

The Fabergé Winter Egg will be auctioned in Christie’s sale The Winter Egg and Important Works by Fabergé from a Princely Collection on 2nd December 2025.