One of the rarest creations from the famed House of Fabergé is returning to the spotlight as the celebrated Winter Egg, crafted for Russia’s Imperial family, prepares to go under the hammer at Christie’s in London. The jewel-encrusted masterpiece-long regarded as one of the most exceptional Fabergé eggs ever produced-is expected to attract global collectors and potentially set a new auction record.
A Royal Masterpiece From a Vanished Era
The Winter Egg was commissioned in 1911 by Tsar Nicholas II as an Easter gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna. Produced during the height of the Romanov dynasty’s opulence, the piece marks a symbolic moment in Russian history-crafted just four years before the royal family’s downfall in the 1916 revolution. Its creation coincided with the 300th anniversary of the dynasty, adding to the egg’s cultural and historical prestige.
Artistry Inspired by the Russian Winter
Considered a flawless example of Art Nouveau craftsmanship, the egg is carved from clear rock crystal to mimic a melting block of ice. Its frosted engravings, platinum mounts, and delicate rose-cut diamonds highlight the technical mastery behind its design. In true Fabergé fashion, the egg contains a hidden surprise: a miniature platinum basket filled with white anemones, created from quartz, nephrite, and green demantoid garnets.
Standing just over four inches tall, the piece has earned a reputation as one of Fabergé’s most poetic interpretations of nature.
A Storied Journey Through Private Collections
After the fall of the monarchy, the Soviet government sold the Winter Egg in 1920 as part of a broader effort to raise funds. Over the decades, it moved between prominent private collectors and resurfaced at auction in 1994, where it sold for a little over $5.6 million.
Christie’s will now present the egg as part of its Magnificent Jewels sale on December. Although official estimates remain undisclosed, specialists believe it may reach or exceed $26 million, given its unmatched rarity.
Expert Praise for a Once-in-a-Generation Treasure
International Head of Jewelry, called the Winter Egg “one of the most poetic creations ever made by Fabergé,” emphasizing its delicate craftsmanship and the mastery required to carve such thin rock crystal. He described it as “the ultimate seasonal gift-an artwork that captures the spirit of winter in jewel form.”
A Major Moment for Collectors and Museums
With fewer than 50 Imperial Fabergé eggs in existence-and many held permanently in museum collections-the chance to acquire one of the most elaborate examples is exceedingly rare. The upcoming sale is already drawing international interest from bidders across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.
As anticipation builds, the auction of the Winter Egg is set to become one of the most-watched events of the year in the art and luxury collectibles world-offering a glimpse into Imperial Russia’s glittering past and a masterpiece of craftsmanship unlikely to appear on the market again anytime soon.
