Winter Fabergé Egg
The egg is about 15 cm tall on its stand, with a diameter of 10 cm. The outer shell is blue lapis lazuli, with architectural, Louis XV-style gold cagework in a design of leafy scrolls. The gold motifs cover each joint, making the egg look as if it was carved from a single block of lapis. The goldwork includes two Imperial double-headed eagles, as well as cupids, canopies, floral scrolls, flower baskets and garlands. Two large diamonds, one at top and one at bottom, are encrusted into the egg’s surface, showing the initials of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia, the year 1912 and the Imperial crown.The location of the original stand is unknown, however it is thought to have not made it out of Russia when purchased by antiques dealer Armand Hammer.The «surprise» inside is a Russian double-headed Imperial eagle with a miniature portrait of the Tsarevich Alexei, set in platinum and encrusted with diamonds.
25 March 1912 (O.S.) Presented to Empress Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia, a gift from Tsar Nicholas II of Russia at a cost 28,597 rubles.
