Crystal Fabergé Egg Breaks Record, Sells for $30.2 Million
A remarkable Fabergé egg has broken auction records, fetching an astonishing $30.2 million. This extraordinary sale took place at Christie’s in London, highlighting the egg’s historical significance.
Details of the Legendary Fabergé Egg
The egg, known as the Winter Egg, was crafted in 1913 for the Romanov royal family, specifically commissioned by Czar Nicholas II for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna. It measures 4 inches (10 centimeters) tall and features exquisite craftsmanship.
- Material: Finely carved rock crystal
- Design: Snowflake motif in platinum with 4,500 diamonds
- Interior: Contains a removable basket of quartz flowers
A Historical Masterpiece
Christie’s referred to the Winter Egg as the “Mona Lisa for decorative arts.” The auction house noted that only seven Fabergé eggs remain in private hands, enhancing its rarity.
This sale surpassed the previous record of $18.5 million set in 2007 for a Fabergé egg linked to the Rothschild family. Each Fabergé egg has a unique design and hidden surprise, with over 50 originally created for the Russian imperial family between 1885 and 1917.
The Legacy of Fabergé Eggs
The tradition of gifting these elaborate eggs began with Czar Alexander III, who presented the first one to his wife each Easter. Czar Nicholas II continued this custom, gifting them to his wife and mother.
The Winter Egg’s journey has been eventful. It was sold for 450 pounds in the 1920s when the Communist regime liquidated Russia’s artistic treasures. After vanishing for two decades, it was rediscovered and auctioned by Christie’s in 1994 for 7 million Swiss francs (about $5.6 million at the time). It changed hands again in 2002, selling for $9.6 million.
The Current State of Fabergé Eggs
Currently, 43 imperial Fabergé eggs are known to survive, with most held in museums. The Winter Egg’s recent sale continues the legacy of record-setting prices for these exceptional works of art.
Margo Oganesian, head of Christie’s Russian art department, remarked on the egg’s excellence, emphasizing its status as a superb example of craftsmanship and design.
