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Curators' Picks: May 20 "Fabergé: A Gentleman’s Collection" Russian Works of Art Signature® Auction
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Nick's Pick
Nick Nicholson | Deputy Chairman, Decorative Art
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This Fabergé silver-mounted bowenite bell push, which descended within a Viennese family of Russian descent, turns out to be something far more unusual than it first appeared. The work seemed to be simply a large sculptural bell-push, but conservation revealed that it was something infinitely more interesting and rare; a stirrup cup and
bell push. The bear-form stirrup cup is used to drink a shot of vodka, and then, once the cup is empty, turns over and fits seamlessly into a socket which turns it into the bellpush’ ringer. The quality is exceptional. The finely worked silver of the vividly modelled bear is full of life and character, reflecting Fabergé’s mastery of naturalistic animal forms at their peak. With its inventive design and strong sculptural presence, it stands out as a distinctive and possibly unique example of the firm’s imaginative craftsmanship.
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Rebecca's Pick
Rebecca Campbell | Production Manager and Associate Specialist
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This Fabergé translucent pink guilloché enamel and en camaïeu
gold bonbonnière is a perfect example of the firm’s ability to be both refined and just a little bit indulgent. The engine-turned ground glows beneath the enamel, with delicate branching motifs drifting across the surface in soft tonal contrast, subtle but the kind of detail that keeps pulling you back in. Around the edge, a border of seed pearls, red gemstones, and green enamel laurel garlands nods to the elegance of the Louis XVI style, though Fabergé, as always, can’t resist giving it a bit more presence. The enamel has that signature depth, almost holding the light rather than simply reflecting it. Intended as a bonbonnière, it elevates its purpose into something far more theatrical, because naturally, even sweets deserved a proper stage.
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Elinor's Pick
Elinor Chalmers | Cataloguer, Decorative Arts
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Carved from bowenite and mounted in gold and gilt silver, this Fabergé gum pot takes the form of an apple, complete with a ruby-set, guilloché enameled stem-form handle. A finely modeled worm emerges from the fruit, adding an unexpected and charmingly realistic detail. Produced in St. Petersburg circa 1899–1908 under the direction of workmaster Mikhail Perkhin, the piece demonstrates Fabergé’s ability to balance fine materials, technical skill, and lighthearted design.
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Meg's Pick
Meg Cox | Consignment Coordinator, Decorative Arts
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This charming silver figural vodka beaker is an exceptionally rare and characterful example of Imperial Russian silver. Modeled as a humorous portrait of Mikhail Antonovich Houriet — the beloved Swiss-born manager of Fabergé’s famed Bolshaya Morskaya premises — the cup transcends mere decorative object to become an intimate tribute from within the Fabergé circle itself. Such personalized figural objects were produced in extremely limited numbers and seldom survive with this level of provenance and documentation, offering a rare glimpse into the personal relationships and camaraderie within the Fabergé firm during the final years of Imperial Russia.
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Dasha's Pick
Dasha Krylova | Consignment Coordinator, Fine & Decorative Arts
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Among the objects featured in the auction, the gem-set gold brooch in the form of a bee is especially compelling. It appeals through its remarkable visual lightness, created by the intricate detailing of its wings and the bright color of the turquoise stones, as well as through the mechanism that opens the wings to reveal a hidden portrait. The history of this object adds further significance, as it was preserved for many years by a close friend of the Prince and Princess Yusupov. Together, the brooch’s technical mastery and sentimental value give it a distinct character.
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Xenia's Pick
Xenia Amaya | Cataloguer, Silver & Decorative Arts
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Known for their lifelike forms and subtle detailing, these small sculptures highlight Fabergé’s ability to bring personality and warmth to precious materials. The softly modeled body and gentle coloration of the stone give the figure a naturalistic quality, while the gem-set eyes add a delicate point of focus. I’m especially drawn to pieces like this for their sense of humor and intimacy. It is small, approachable, and full of character, showing a more playful side of Fabergé that feels just as compelling as its more elaborate works.
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Nick Nicholson
Deputy Chairman,
Decorative Art
NickN@HA.com
(214) 409-3014
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Rebecca Campbell
Production Manager
and Associate Specialist
RCampbell@HA.com
(214) 409-1948
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Elinor Chalmers
Cataloguer
Decorative Arts
ElinorC@HA.com
(214) 409-1276
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Meg Cox
Consignment Coordinator,
Decorative Art
MegC@HA.com
(214) 409-1725
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Dasha Krylova
Consignment Coordinator
Fine & Decorative Arts
DariaK@HA.com
(214) 409-3058
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Xenia Amaya
Cataloguer, Silver &
Decorative Arts
XeniaA@HA.com
(214) 409-1907
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