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An Enamelled Carved Hardstone Bonbonnière by Carl Fabergé.
Naturalistically carved from smokey quartz in the form of a sea shell, the hinged gold lid enamelled opaque dark blue and decorated with gold foliate scrolls, bordered with rose diamonds, the thumb piece a cabochon ruby flanked by two rose diamonds.
Chief Workmaster: Michael Evamplevitch Perchin
St. Petersburg, circa 1890
Inventory number: 48459
The influence of Renaissance artists, including those working for the Saracchi and Miseroni workshops in Milan, is palpable. In 1860, Carl Fabergé moved with his parents to Dresden. It was here that he first saw the superlative collection of Renaissance treasures which had belonged to Augustus the Strong, King of Poland and Grand-Duke of Lithuania (1670-1733). Among the objects there were tazzae in the form of seashells, carved using rock crystal from the Alps and adorned with gold, enamel and gemstones.
Equally, 18th Century French goldsmithing was clearly a source of inspiration. During his visits to the Hermitage Palace, Fabergé handled the Imperial collection of gold boxes, which included a number of gold mounted seashells.
The bonbonniere refers to a subliminal vocabulary of luxury, one which Fabergé’s illustrious clientele would certainly have been aware: a continuity of royal patronage from Phillip II of Spain and King Louis XV of France to the Imperial Court of Russia.
Dimensions
Length: 7.2 cm.The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
