Lot 121D
Eastern Europe, Russia, World War I era, House of Faberge, ca. 1915 CE. A splendid and remarkably rare copper tea glass holder by the famous Russian Jewellery firm House of Faberge, started by Gustav Faberge in 1842. Sitting upon a circular foot, the cylindrical vessel is adorned with a pair of applied brass medallions: one inscribed in Russian Cyrillic "War 1914-1915 K. Faberge" for Peter Carl Faberge or Karl Gustavovich Faberge and the other depicting the Imperial double-headed eagle. A rectangular handle with rounded corners rises to one side featuring a discoid thumb piece at the top, while a removable coaster inset fits into the open base to support the glass. The Faberge copper tea glass holder represents a departure from the renowned jeweler's more famous creations like the Imperial Easter Eggs, yet it maintains the brand's hallmark of exceptional craftsmanship and elegance. Size: 4.3" L x 3.2" W x 3.1" H (10.9 cm x 8.1 cm x 7.9 cm).
Designed to complement traditional Russian tea culture, these holders were crafted from copper, often adorned with ornate engravings or chased motifs, reflecting a blend of European and Russian design influences. Faberge's attention to detail ensured that each tea glass holder not only served a functional purpose but also became a cherished decorative item, showcasing the firm's commitment to luxury and quality. Despite their departure from the opulence of gemstones and precious metals, Faberge's copper tea glass holders remain highly collectible today, embodying a unique facet of the firm's diverse artistic repertoire.
Faberge is renowned for its exquisite and highly intricate decorative arts, particularly its famed Faberge eggs. Founded in 1842 in St. Petersburg, Russia, by Gustav Faberge, the House of Faberge became synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship under the artistic direction of Gustav's son, Peter Carl Faberge. The most iconic creations of Faberge are the Imperial Easter Eggs, commissioned by Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. These eggs are celebrated for their meticulous design, incorporating precious metals, gemstones, and intricate enamel work. Beyond eggs, Faberge produced a wide array of jewelry, silverware, and objets d'art, all characterized by unparalleled attention to detail and innovation in design. Despite the House of Faberge ceasing operations in 1918 due to the Russian Revolution, its legacy endures, with its creations revered as some of the finest examples of decorative artistry in history.
Another Faberge copper tea glass holder hammered 5,000 GBP (equivalent to $7,297 at the time or $10,514.36 today with inflation) at Sotheby's London on June 9th, 2010 ("Russian Works of Art, Faberge And Icons," lot 686).
Provenance: private Elkton, Maryland, USA collection, acquired via descent and originally imported into the US in the early 20th century.
#187641
- Condition: A removable coaster inset is fit into the open base to support the glass. Rim has one miniscule nick and a small indentation. Some very light surface wear commensurate with age, but otherwise, intact and excellent with impressive preservation of detail. Minor patina in areas.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |