Lot 324
  • 324

A Fabergé gold, enamel and hardstone study of cornflowers, circa 1910

Estimate
180,000 - 250,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • silver, enamel, rock crystal
  • height 12.8cm, 5in.
the cut spray with three capitula, their florets enamelled in opaque blue, the anthers in pale purple, the receptacles in yellow-shaded green over engraved sepals, textured gold stems and leaves, in a carved rock crystal baluster form pot, apparently unmarked

Condition

The enamel retouched overall, some anthers lacking, the enamel of the receptacles in good order, apart from one with shallow losses at its base, the pot in excellent condition, with light scratches, as expected.
"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

Fabergé's cornflower studies can be classified into two somewhat distinct groups.  The first, larger group consists of slightly more stylised and jewelled examples, enamelled in translucent blue, their stigmas and usually their stamens set with diamonds.  The smaller group of rarer studies includes the offered lot and comprises cornflowers executed with a more naturalistic treatment, lacking in precious stones, enamelled in matte-finish blue, their sepals enamelled in yellow and green in a closer approximation of reality. 

The best-known example of this latter group is the cornflower study in the Matilda Geddings Gray Collection, now on long-term loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (illustrated, J. Keefe, Masterpieces of Fabergé: The Matilda Geddings Gray Foundation Collection, New Orleans, 1993, pp. 86-87).  The Gray cornflower rests in an Art Nouveau Tiffany-style Favrile glass pot made by the Imperial Glass Works and is reputed to have belonged to Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.  Two further related examples were exhibited, A la Vieille Russie, New York, ‘Fabergé: A Loan Exhibition for the Benefit of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum’, 1983, nos. 455 and 456, and are illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, p. 124.