The famed ‘Winter Egg’ by Carl Fabergé — an opulent Easter gift from Emperor Nicholas II to his mother, Maria Feodorovna — is set to be auctioned once more. The last time it was sold was in 2002, fetching $9.58 million.
It previously changed hands at a 1994 auction for $5.58 million and has gained renown for its intricate and dazzling design. The egg was crafted by young jeweller Alma Pihl alongside masters from the legendary Fabergé dynasty.
The body is carved from rock crystal, accompanied by a platinum basket of anemones adorned with pink diamonds. Each flower is sculpted from a single piece of white quartz, with stems and stamens fashioned from delicate gold wire.
Its most recent owners are the heirs of Qatari collector Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al Thani. The piece will be offered for sale by Christie’s in London on 2 December. The estimated value remains undisclosed.
Photo: Wikipedia