In a stunning auction that has captivated the art world, a long-lost Fabergé egg created for the last Russian Tsar has sold for an astonishing £15.7 million at a London auction house. The Imperial Winter Egg, one of only 50 surviving imperial Fabergé eggs, had been missing from public view for over a century before its dramatic reappearance.
The Tsar's Lost Treasure
Commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II in 1913 as an Easter gift for his mother, the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, the Winter Egg represents one of the most exquisite creations from the House of Fabergé. The egg's remarkable journey saw it disappear during the Russian Revolution, only to resurface decades later in the most unexpected of places.
From Royalty to Antique Shop
Perhaps the most extraordinary chapter in the egg's history unfolded in the mid-20th century when it was purchased for a mere fraction of its current value. An anonymous American buyer acquired the priceless treasure from a London antique dealer for just £1,250 in 1954 - equivalent to approximately £25,000 today.
"The previous owner had no idea of its significance," revealed Geoffrey Munn, a jewellery historian and expert on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow. "They bought it from a dealer who didn't recognise it for what it was. It's the stuff of dreams."
Masterpiece of Craftsmanship
The Winter Egg stands as a testament to Fabergé's unparalleled artistry. Crafted from rock crystal to resemble melting ice, the egg features platinum settings adorned with 1,378 diamonds. Its most breathtaking element is the surprise within - a delicate platinum basket filled with wood anemones, each flower meticulously crafted from white quartz and green demantoid garnets.
A Record-Breaking Sale
The recent auction at Wartski, the renowned London jewellers specialising in Russian works of art, saw the Winter Egg achieve the highest price ever paid for a Russian object at auction. The sale has sent ripples through the art world, highlighting the enduring fascination with Russia's imperial past and Fabergé's legendary craftsmanship.
This remarkable discovery serves as a powerful reminder that even in our modern world, priceless treasures can still emerge from obscurity, carrying with them stories of royalty, revolution, and unexpected fortune.
