Rare Fabergé Winter Egg Set for Auction at Christie’s

Christie’s auction house in London is set to auction a rare Fabergé egg, known as the Winter Egg, valued at over 20 million pounds ($26.4 million). This exquisite piece, measuring 4 inches (10 centimeters) tall, is crafted from finely carved rock crystal and adorned with a delicate snowflake motif made of platinum and 4,500 tiny diamonds. The egg opens to reveal a removable basket of bejeweled quartz flowers, symbolizing spring. The auction will take place on Tuesday at Christie’s London headquarters.

Associated Press

The Winter Egg is one of only seven Fabergé eggs remaining in private hands and is a notable example of the craftsmanship associated with the Russian imperial family. Commissioned by Czar Nicholas II in 1913 as an Easter gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, the egg was designed by Alma Pihl, one of the few female designers at Fabergé. The tradition of gifting Fabergé eggs began with Czar Alexander III, who presented them to his wife each Easter, a practice continued by his successor.

Associated Press

The Winter Egg has a storied past, having been purchased by a London dealer for 450 pounds when the Communist authorities sold off Russian artistic treasures in the 1920s. It was believed lost for two decades until it resurfaced at a Christie’s auction in 1994, where it sold for over 7 million Swiss francs ($5.6 million). In 2002, it changed hands again for $9.6 million. The current auction is expected to surpass the previous record of $18.5 million set in 2007 for another Fabergé egg created for the Rothschild banking family.

Associated Press

The auction of the Winter Egg highlights the enduring fascination with Fabergé eggs and their significance in art history. With 43 surviving imperial Fabergé eggs, most of which are housed in museums, the rarity of privately owned pieces adds to the allure and value of such items in the art market.

Associated Press

Margo Oganesian, head of Christie’s Russian art department, described the Winter Egg as a superb example of craft and design, likening it to the “Mona Lisa” for decorative arts. She emphasized the egg's luxurious nature, comparing it to a Kinder Surprise chocolate, which underscores its intricate design and hidden treasures.

Associated Press

While the auction is anticipated to attract significant interest, some critics may argue about the commodification of cultural heritage, particularly items associated with the imperial past of Russia. Concerns about the ethical implications of selling such historically significant artifacts may arise, especially given the tumultuous history surrounding the Romanov family and the subsequent revolution.

Associated Press

• “The Winter Egg is a superb example of craft and design, “the ‘Mona Lisa’ for decorative arts,” Oganesian said.” — Margo Oganesian, Head of Christie’s Russian Art Department.

Associated Press

• “It opens to reveal a removable tiny basket of bejewelled quartz flowers symbolizing spring.” — Margo Oganesian, Head of Christie’s Russian Art Department.

Associated Press

The auction of the Winter Egg not only represents a significant event in the art world but also serves as a reminder of the complex history of Russia’s imperial past and the ongoing interest in its artistic treasures.

Associated Press