We present to your attention a unique and extraordinary piece from our collection — a jade egg pendant featuring a silver bulldog figurine with ruby eyes, created during the Faberge era.
The pendant is made of natural jade, while the bulldog figurine is crafted from blackened silver. Its eyes feature natural faceted 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 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.
Pendant dimensions: Length: 28.3 mm
Weight: 10.5 grams.
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.