The Fabulous World of Faberge

Revere Auctions is pleased to present a fine Faberge objet d’art in our upcoming sale, Seasonal Splendor: Fine Jewels, November 12 & 13, 2024. Lot 622 is a finely carved agate box with 14k multicolor gold thistle form appliques. This piece is hallmarked for Faberge Moscow and dates to circa 1899. Read on to learn more about Faberge, this charming box, and how it came to be in Minnesota.

The House of Fabergé was established in 1842 in St. Petersburg, Russia, by Gustav Fabergé. However, it was his son, Peter Carl Fabergé, who turned the name into a legend. Peter Carl Fabergé took over the family business in 1872, transforming it into a premier jewelry brand celebrated for its intricate design, innovative craftsmanship, and use of high quality materials. Fabergé became synonymous with opulence and was quickly recognized as a master jeweler across Europe.

Fabergé’s fame reached new heights when Tsar Alexander III commissioned a special Easter egg in 1885 as a gift for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna. This led to a long tradition of superb, delightful Faberge eggs, presented yearly as a gift to the Tsarina. Faberge became a favorite at the Russia court and received many imperial commissions and purchases. The Russia court had a proclivity for lavish gifts, and visiting dignitaries and Russia nobles alike were delighted by Faberge’s imaginative objets d’art. From cigarette cases, mantle clocks, and picture frames to small boxes, jewelry, and figurines; Faberge reimagined everyday objects into their most fine and ornate renditions.

By the early 1900s, the business continued to grow, gaining recognition and prestige. Faberge had branches in Moscow, Kiev, Odessa, and a sales-only branch in London.  Unfortunately, when the Bolshevik revolution erupted in 1917, members of the Faberge family fled or were imprisoned.

This Faberge box, from circa 1899, predates the revolution and rests firmly in Faberge’s golden age. It is a representative of a time before revolution, when the excesses of the Russia court were not quelled by social consciousness. The House of Faberge was not limited by war time restrictions and was able to design to the full extent of their imaginations during this era. The box’s hallmarks indicate it comes from the Moscow branch of Faberge.

The striking, diminutive box is rendered in carved agate with appliques of 14k multicolor gold. The top of the box is surmounted by two yellow gold thistles with leaves surrounded by a yellow gold frame. The bottom edge of the lid is banded with alternating white gold five petal flowers and yellow gold leaves. The base of the box, with a similar yellow gold frame, is accented by eight rose gold thistles with yellow gold leaves around the perimeter.

The box was owned by prominent Cleveland lawyer and art collector, Frank Hadley Ginn (1868-1938). Hadley Ginn was a prominent Ohio lawyer, art collector and philanthropist. Hadley Ginn was a patron of the Cleveland Orchestra, Severance Hall, the Northern Ohio Opera Association, and the Cleveland String Quartet. He amassed a notable collection of fine Impressionist art at his sprawling Tudor estate, Moxahela, through his connections with the influential art dealer, Paul Durand-Ruel.

According to family, Frank Hadley Ginn purchased this Faberge box for his wife, Cornelia Root Ginn, who was ill later in life. He wanted Cornelia to have something beautiful to look at when she took her pills, so this Faberge box became her pillbox. It is possible that Hadley Ginn purchased the box on his travels, perhaps in Russia or more likely from the London Faberge outpost. It is also possible that Durand Ruel purchased this piece on behalf of Hadley Ginn in his role as an art dealer.

The box was then passed by the descent to the current owner. Revere is thrilled to offer this beautiful example of Faberge’s craftsmanship in our November sale. Pre-bidding is open now and the sale will go live November 13th, 2024. Register to bid here.

 Do you have a beautiful objet d’art you have always wondered about? Contact Revere today! You never know what secrets your object might hold. Our specialists are skilled at researching and deciphering obscure hallmarks. Let us help you uncover the true identity of your heirlooms. Contact us today for a complimentary auction estimate.