Fabergé Winter Egg Expected to Fetch Over £20 Million at Auction

A remarkable Fabergé egg, known as the Winter Egg, is set to be auctioned at Christie’s in London on December 2, 2023, with expectations of exceeding £20 million. Commissioned by Emperor Nicholas II in 1913, this exquisite piece was originally a lavish Easter gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna.

The Winter Egg is celebrated as one of the most luxurious creations by Fabergé, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and artistry. Following the Russian Revolution in 1917, it was relocated from St Petersburg to the Kremlin Armoury in Moscow, joining many other royal treasures. In the 1920s, the Soviet government began liquidating art treasures, often at significantly undervalued prices. Notably, London antiques dealers Wartski purchased the Winter Egg for just £450, later selling it to a British collector for £1,500 in 1934.

The egg’s journey continued as it changed hands among collectors. It was considered lost between 1975 and 1994, resurfacing when it was sold at Christie’s for a record-breaking 7,263,500 Swiss francs (approximately £6.8 million). In 2002, it achieved another world record at Christie’s, selling for 9,579,000 US dollars (around £7.1 million).

The Winter Egg features a captivating design: carved from rock crystal and adorned with rose-cut diamonds and platinum snowflake motifs. Margo Oganesian, head of the Fabergé and Russian works of art department at Christie’s, expressed, “It is a privilege for Christie’s to be entrusted with the sale of the exquisite Winter Egg by Fabergé for the third time in its history. With only six other Imperial Easter Eggs remaining in private collections, this is an extraordinary chance for collectors to acquire what is arguably one of Fabergé’s finest creations, both technically and artistically.”

Significance of the Auction

The upcoming auction during Christie’s Classic Week will not only feature the Winter Egg but will also present nearly 50 other exceptional works by Fabergé. These include hardstone figures, animals, objets de vertu, and furniture. The sale represents a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire masterpieces from a distinguished collection.

Christie’s highlighted the significance of the Winter Egg in their promotional materials, stating, “The highly important Winter Egg has twice set the world record for a work by Fabergé and represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a masterpiece of such calibre.”

The auction is generating considerable interest among collectors and art enthusiasts alike, eager to witness the sale of this historical piece. For further details, potential bidders and interested parties can visit Christie’s official website.