- 35
A Fabergé gold, jewelled and nephrite paperknife, workmaster: Michael Perchin, St. Petersburg, 1899-1903
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description
- length: 18cm, 7in
the nephrite blade mounted with a bat-wing handle mounted in moonstones and rubies, with workmaster's initials and scratched inventory number 1979, 56 standard
Provenance
Purchased by Empress Maria Fedorovna (1847-1928) on 17th December 1899
Exhibited
Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, 5 December 1986 - 22 February 1987, cat. no. 187
Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, 28 November 2003 - 12 April 2004, cat. no. 67
Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, 28 November 2003 - 12 April 2004, cat. no. 67
Literature
Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, Munich, 1986, pp. 158-9
Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, Munich, 2003, p. 164
Condition
Very minor chips to the nephrite blade end. Overall in very 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This strikingly modern design was inspired by the Art Nouveau movement popularised in Russia by Emperor Alexander III. During his travels to Denmark with his consort he was so impressed by the naturalistic form of Scandinavian glassware that he commissioned the Imperial Glass Manufactory to make similar works. By the late 1890s Fabergé's workshops were producing work, including bowls and silver-mounted carafes in Art Nouveau style. This paperknife is reminiscent of the contemporary work of René Lalique.