We present to your attention a unique and extraordinary piece from our collection — a malachite egg pendant featuring a gilt-silver bulldog figurine with ruby eyes, created during the Fabergé era, workmaster Julius Rappoport. The pendant is made of natural Russian malachite, while the bulldog figurine is crafted from gilt silver. Its eyes feature natural, tiny rubies.
Animal figurines crafted during the Fabergé era were immensely popular among buyers of that era. With great dedication, the masters created miniature representations of beloved pets, especially dogs! These exquisite works of art were collected and exchanged as gifts among members of the imperial family.
An interesting fact: among the personal belongings of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, which were transported to Moscow by the Provisional Government, there were about a hundred figurines by her beloved Fabergé. A special place in her collection was occupied by elephants—the heraldic symbol of her native Denmark—and dogs (bulldogs and pugs). Perhaps this was due to the fact that her husband, Emperor Alexander III, was affectionately called "bulldog" within his family during childhood. 😊
Fabergé era figurines are distinguished by their exquisite detail, and each feature is rendered with masterful accuracy. While silver animal models existed before the Fabergé Era, its works became a symbol of refined realism and unparalleled quality.
The figurine bears original double hallmarks: "α" (alpha) — indicating inspection by the St. Petersburg Assay Office, which was active from 1908 to 1917. The woman's head in a kokoshnik, facing right. "84" — the Imperial silver standard. "I.P." (Julius Rappoport’s maker’s mark)
Pendant dimensions: Length: 30 mm Weight: 12.3 grams.
Julius Rappoport created most of the elegant and funny silver animal figurines for the House of Fabergé. These pieces served various purposes—from wine jugs and bell buttons to lighters and decorative objects—or simply as delightful collectibles. His earliest works date back to 1890. Some of Rappoport’s creations are held in the Kremlin Armory and the Hermitage Museum. His figurines are renowned for their intricate detailing, while Fabergé’s works stand out for their exceptional realism—though the firm was not the first to craft silver animal figures.
This pendant is in excellent condition!
An exceptional item!
Please note: Authentic Fabergé objects from the late 19th and early 20th centuries were not issued with certificates of authenticity. Authenticity is determined through examination of original maker’s marks and assay marks, materials, craftsmanship, construction techniques, and comparison with published reference examples.