A Monumental Russian Silver Wine Cistern or Jardinière Fabergé, Moscow, 1899-1908 15-3/8 x 24-1/2 x 14 inches (39.1 x 62.2 x 35.6 cm) 10051 grams (323.15 troy ounces) PROVENANCE: Private Collection, France; John Atzbach Antiques, Bellevue, Washington; Acquired from the above by the present owner. After the revolution, much of Faberge's work in silver was, after its nationalization by the Bolshevik authority, melted down for its intrinsic value. As a result, almost all the large pieces from Faberge commissioned by the Imperial family, such as the banqueting services for Emperor Alexander III's daughters Xenia and Olga were lost to the melting pot. (For more information, see Williams, Robert C., Russian Art and American Money, 1900-1940, Harvard University Press: Cambridge, 1980.) Large-form works like this wine cistern or jardiniere are exceptionally rare, and the survival of the work is of note. What is also exceptional is the quality of its Régence design, which though massive, has great lightness. A related but much smaller jardinière was sold, Christie's, New York, Russian Works of Art, Paintings and Fabergé, April 18, 1996, lot 228. Masterpieces of Russian Enamel from an Important American Collection HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved