Objects of Desire
Object A cloisonné enamel silver-gilt vesta case by Fabergé, Workmaster Feodor Rückert, Moscow, 1899-1908
Fabergé has become synonymous with opulence, luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. While the House is best known for its magnificent jewelled enamel Easter eggs, they represent only a fraction of its creation. In addition, the Fabergé workmasters transformed everyday objects, from cigarette cases and snuff boxes to flowers and mantel clocks, into opulent works of art through the application of sophisticated enamelling techniques, goldsmithing and stone-setting.
This cloisonné enamel silver-gilt vesta case decorated with Imperial double-headed eagles is one such example. It comes to auction on 29 November at Christie’s in London as part of the Harry Woolf Collection, one of the most important collections of Fabergé masterpieces ever to come to market. For more fabulous Fabergé, scoot over to the V&A for its new exhibition spotlighting the legendary jewellery house and its influence in London