An exceptionally rare Fabergé Winter Egg, a masterpiece commissioned by Emperor Nicholas II, is set to command a significant sum at Christie's in London on December 2, 2025. This exquisite creation, renowned for its intricate rock crystal carving and diamond-set snowflake motifs, is considered one of the most magnificent Imperial Easter Eggs ever produced.
The Winter Egg boasts a rich history, originally created in 1913 as an Easter gift for Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna. Its journey through time includes acquisition by London's Wartski in the late 1920s for £450, and subsequent sales to private collectors. The egg has previously achieved record-breaking prices at auction, underscoring its immense value and desirability among collectors. It was sold at Christie's in 1994 for a world record sum of $5.58 million and again in 2002 for $9.58 million.
Christie's Head of Department for Fabergé and Russian Works of Art, Margo Oganesian, described the opportunity to sell the egg for the third time as a privilege. She noted that with only seven other Imperial Easter Eggs in private hands, this auction presents a unique and extraordinary chance to acquire a significant piece of Russian art history. The Winter Egg is expected to sell for more than £20 million.
The creation of the Winter Egg was part of a tradition established by Emperor Alexander III, who commissioned the first Easter egg from Carl Fabergé in 1885. Designed by Alma Pihl, and created in the workshop of Albert Holmström, the Winter Egg is celebrated for its technical artistry and originality. In 1913, its production cost was 24,600 rubles, making it the most expensive of all Imperial eggs at that time. It is intricately carved from rock crystal, featuring a frost design on the interior and adorned with rose-cut diamond-set platinum snowflake motifs on the exterior. The egg's creation was inspired by the natural ice crystals forming on a windowpane, a testament to Pihl's keen observation and creative spirit. Inside, it holds a surprise: a platinum basket with white quartz snowdrops, a detail that highlights Fabergé's tradition of incorporating hidden wonders within his creations.
Following the Russian Revolution, the egg was moved from St. Petersburg to the Kremlin Armoury in Moscow. During the 1920s, the Soviet government began selling off art treasures, leading to the Winter Egg's acquisition by Wartski. This historical context adds another layer of significance to the egg's journey and its eventual return to the international art market.
The Winter Egg is considered one of Fabergé's finest creations, both technically and artistically, and its appearance at auction is a rare event for collectors. Its estimated value of over £20 million reflects its status as a highly coveted masterpiece.