A Fabergé agate, gold and enamel pendant seal, workmaster: Fedor Afanassiev, St. Petersburg, 1908-1910

the handle realistically carved as an owl with gold feet and suspension loop, the domed collar in pink translucent enamel over engine-turning, unengraved gold matrix, with workmaster's initials, 56 standard and scratched inventory number 20183, in a fitted Fabergé case

Purchased by Empress Maria Fedorovna (1847-1928) on 15th April 1910 

Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, 5 December 1986 - 22 February 1987, cat. no. 212  
Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, 28 November 2003 - 12 April 2004, cat. no.  261

Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, Munich, 1986, p. 163
Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, Munich, 2003, p. 230

 

It is possible that the eyes may once have been set with stones. In overall good condition. The box is also in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Birds were popular subjects for hardstone carvers, who used the different colours and striations of their material to suggest varied tones of plumage. Owls were favoured as necklace pendants and small carvings. Two examples are in the British Royal Collection, nos. RCIN 40453 and RCIN 40140. For a similar owl-formed seal, like the present example also made by Fedor Afanassiev, see Wilmington, 2000, cat no. 738. For an illustration of an owl with its archive design see Ulla Tillander-Godenhielm, Golden Years of Fabergé, Drawings and Objects from the Wigström Workshop, Graulhet, 2000, p. 51.

The owl as an attribute for Minerva, goddess of wisdom, is an appropriate attribute for a desk ornament.