‘Greatest of them all’: Fabergé’s Winter egg poised to Smash Auction Records
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A fabergé Imperial Egg, the Winter Egg, is heading to auction next month and is anticipated to become the most valuable Fabergé object ever sold. christie’s will offer the egg, created in 1913 for Tsar Nicholas II as a Christmas gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, with a pre-sale estimate exceeding $30 million. The egg’s provenance traces back to the Russian Imperial family and, more recently, to a private collector who acquired it in 2002.
The upcoming sale is particularly noteworthy given current geopolitical complexities and the challenges of trading in Russian cultural artifacts. Experts are questioning where the egg will ultimately land, as both conventional markets - the United States and Russia – face critically important hurdles. The United States imposes a 35% tariff on such imports,adding millions to the cost,while Russia is subject to stringent sanctions prohibiting the acquisition of such items,even indirectly.
A History of Imperial Splendor
Fabergé eggs were commissioned by the Russian Imperial family from 1885 to 1917. Each egg was a unique masterpiece of craftsmanship,often containing intricate mechanical surprises.only 57 of these Imperial eggs were created, and fewer than 50 survive today, many residing in museums and private collections worldwide. The Winter Egg is distinguished by its ice-like crystal design and its ancient significance as one of the last eggs created before the Russian Revolution.
According to Kieran McCarthy,a Fabergé expert,the current climate presents unique difficulties for the sale. There could possibly not have been a worse time to sell this egg,
he stated. Importing the artwork to the US would incur a 35% tariff, meaning millions of dollars in additional duties.Russia, meanwhile, is currently subject to strict sanctions. Even having reasonable cause to suspect that assets will end up in Russian hands constitutes a breach.
While the identity of the current owner remains confidential,Christie’s has confirmed that the noble
who purchased the egg in 2002 is behind the forthcoming sale. The auction house maintains a strict policy of client privacy, leaving the egg’s next destination uncertain.
Middle Eastern museums, seeking to diversify their collections and bolster their cultural appeal, were previously considered likely buyers. In the recent past, Middle Eastern museums… would have been (the obvious) destination for this egg,
McCarthy added, But whether they have an appetite for this particular one, at the moment, I have no idea whatsoever. The natural destination in different circumstances, would, of course, have been Russia.
Institutions in Russia, he acknowledged, would likely be interested, but are currently restricted from making such purchases.
Christie’s has assured that it operates a global anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions compliance program
that includes client due diligence and screening checks.
However, the auction house did not specify whether additional measures are in place to prevent the Winter Egg from being acquired by a Russian proxy. We remain committed to complying with all relevant AML and sanctions laws, including any applicable luxury goods prohibitions,
Christie’s stated.
| Egg | Year Created | Original Owner | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Egg | 1913 | Tsar nicholas II (gift to Maria Feodorovna) | $30M+ |
Did you know?
Only 57 Imperial Fabergé eggs were originally commissioned by the Russian Imperial family, and fewer than 50 are known to still exist today.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on Christie’s website for updates on the auction date and viewing opportunities. The auction is scheduled for next month, but the exact date has not yet been announced.
What impact will geopolitical factors have on the final sale price of the Winter Egg? And where do you think this remarkable piece of history will ultimately find its home?
Fabergé Eggs: A Lasting Legacy
The House of Fabergé, founded in 1842, rose to prominence as the official jeweler to the Russian Imperial Court. Peter Carl Fabergé, who took over the business in 1872, revolutionized the art of jewelry making, introducing innovative techniques and designs. The imperial Eggs, commissioned annually by the Tsars, became the pinnacle of Fabergé’s artistry, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and intricate detail. Following the Russian Revolution, the Fabergé family fled Russia, and the business was nationalized. However, the Fabergé name and legacy continued through various iterations, and today, Fabergé continues to create luxury items, though not on the scale of the Imperial Eggs.
Frequently asked questions about the winter Egg
- What is a Fabergé egg? A Fabergé egg is a jeweled egg created by the House of Fabergé, primarily for the Russian Imperial family between 1885 and 1917.
- How many Imperial Fabergé eggs were made? A total of 57 Imperial Fabergé eggs were commissioned, with fewer than 50 surviving today.
- Who originally owned the Winter Egg? The Winter Egg was originally created in 1913 for Tsar Nicholas II as a gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna.
- What makes the Winter Egg so valuable? Its value stems from its historical significance, exquisite craftsmanship, and rarity as one of the last Imperial Eggs created before the Russian Revolution.
- What challenges does the sale of the Winter Egg face? The sale is complicated by international sanctions against Russia and tariffs imposed by the United States on imported artwork.
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