Fabergé-Style Blue Enamel Clock Egg c.1890 | SellSail Antiques
$25,000.00
An exceptional jeweled clock egg in the manner of the House of Fabergé,
executed in deep cobalt guilloché enamel and richly mounted in gilded
vermeil. The egg rises upon four neoclassical columns from an ornate
gadrooned base centered with an applied cameo medallion, the whole
surmounted by an elaborate finial set with a cabochon red gemstone
atop a circular jeweled cartouche.
The central body of the egg houses a circular timepiece dial framed by
a finely worked vermeil bezel set with a row of seed pearls. The dial
itself is rendered with ornate applied hour markers and protected by a
hand-cut beveled crystal. Decorative tasseled swags of gilded metalwork
cascade below the dial, adding to the imperial-style ornament.
The crowning finial features a cabochon-cut red gemstone — likely ruby
or garnet, subject to gemological verification — set within a circular
jeweled mount with decorative trim, the whole rising from a stepped
collar of applied laurel work. The egg's base features an applied oval
medallion to the front, surrounded by gilded foliate ornament and
stepped molding.
The cobalt enamel — the most difficult of all guilloché colors to
execute — displays the luminous depth that distinguishes pieces of
this caliber, the engraved sunburst pattern visible beneath multiple
translucent firings. The vermeil mounts retain their original gilding
throughout, with no losses or wear consistent with careful generational
use.
Russian or French manufacture, in the manner of 19th century imperial
workshops. Late 19th century, circa 1890.
DIMENSIONS
· Total height (with base): 28 cm / 11 inches
· Egg height (without base): 17 cm / 6.7 inches
· Egg diameter: 10 cm / 3.9 inches
· Base width: 14 cm / 5.5 inches
· Total weight: approximately 1.4 kg / 3.1 lbs
MATERIALS & DETAILS
· Vermeil (silver-gilt) construction over 925 silver substrate
· Cobalt guilloché enamel — original, no restoration
· Cabochon red gemstone finial (ruby or garnet, pending verification)
· Seed pearl bezel surrounding the central dial
· Applied cameo medallion to the base
· Decorative tasseled vermeil swags
· White enamel dial with applied ornate hour markers
· Han