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Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna: An Imperial Fabergé Diamond-Set and Gold-Mounted Silver Carved Nephrite Tomato-Form Gum Pot ...
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Sold on May 17, 2024 for:
$218,750.00
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
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Description
Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna: An Imperial Fabergé Diamond-Set and Gold-Mounted Silver Carved Nephrite Tomato-Form Gum PotFabergé, Workmaster Mikhail Perkhin, St. Petersburg, before 1899, with indistinct scratched inventory number 37...[55]
2-3/4 x 2-7/8 inches (7.0 x 7.3 cm)
408 grams (gross)
In an Imperial gold velvet-covered case with white silk lining, likely original.
PROVENANCE:
Purchased by Empress Maria Feodorovna, February 7, 1901, for 275 rubles;
At Hvidore, likely until 1924;
Private Collection, Ridgefield, Connecticut;
Fairfield Auction, Newtown, Connecticut, September 26, 2018, lot no. 148.
This exceptional jeweled nephrite gum pot belongs as much to the genre of Fabergé flower and plant studies as it does to the firm's objets de luxe. It was purchased on 7 February, 1901 by the Dowager Empress for her own collection. The bill from the archives reads in Russian "Gum [glue] pot nephrite pomme d'amour [tomato] 190 rose [cut diamonds] to stalk" and notes the cost at 275 rubles.
Gum pots were an Edwardian desk necessity, used for both stamps and envelopes, and this one appears to have remained with the Dowager Empress at Hvidore, her Danish estate. As a result, it was still in her possession after the Russian Revolution. The objects belonging to the Dowager Empress were divided between her daughters, Grand Duchess Xenia and Olga Alexandrovna, and the offered lot was likely sold by one of them to someone in the trade after 1924. The spectacular gum pot ended up in a private collection and was sold at auction in 2018 as "possibly attributed" to Fabergé.
The offered lot is visible in a photograph from Hvidore, which shows the Dowager Empress's desk. It appears to rest next to a frame with the Saint Andrew's flag (similar to that now in the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Inv. No. 47.20.357). The photographic and archival evidence strongly underscore the Imperial provenance of this work.
Heritage Auctions thanks Valentin Skurlov for his assistance with the research of this lot.
Property from an Important Private Collection
Condition Report*:
The Nephrite:
In exceptional original condition, the nephrite with no visible signs of later polishing, staining or treatment. With light wear commensurate with age, handling, and light use. The underside with regular wear from placement on surfaces.
The Stem:
The original stem with 190 rose-cut diamonds intact, with bo visible signs of resetting or repairs. The gold brush handle with regular and notable wear from use, the marks ?? and ?? worn, but visible. Indistinct partial scratched inventory mark "37" partially visible under high level of magnification.
The Box:
The Imperial-yellow velvet-covered birch box of the period and likely original, consistent with the construction of Faberge boxes of the period. Likely original, possibly later relined. Exterior with significant wear, staining, and corrosion to original latch fitting, which is consistent with other boxes of the period.
*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders.
Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation,
warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report.
Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500.
Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames.
All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.In exceptional original condition, the nephrite with no visible signs of later polishing, staining or treatment. With light wear commensurate with age, handling, and light use. The underside with regular wear from placement on surfaces.
The Stem:
The original stem with 190 rose-cut diamonds intact, with bo visible signs of resetting or repairs. The gold brush handle with regular and notable wear from use, the marks ?? and ?? worn, but visible. Indistinct partial scratched inventory mark "37" partially visible under high level of magnification.
The Box:
The Imperial-yellow velvet-covered birch box of the period and likely original, consistent with the construction of Faberge boxes of the period. Likely original, possibly later relined. Exterior with significant wear, staining, and corrosion to original latch fitting, which is consistent with other boxes of the period.
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Auction Info
2024 May 17 Imperial Fabergé & Russian Works of Art Signature® Auction #8150 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
May, 2024
17th
Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 6
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,818
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $1,000,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $5,000,000 per lot.
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