Fabergé, Lost and Found

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For over 25 years, Carl Faberge and his firm were the jeweller and goldsmith to the Russian tsars and European royalty, creating legendary masterpieces known for their superb craftsmanship and originality. A. Kenneth Snowman recounts his remarkable discovery in St Petersburg of two original design books from the House of Faberge, containing meticulous watercolour and ink drawings of nearly every item produced from 1909 to 1915. Each design is dated and includes detailed handwritten instructions for composition and execution. Hundreds of these exquisite drawings are reproduced for the first time, primarily in full colour, with captions detailing the gems, materials, and manufacture dates. Finished pieces are often photographed alongside the original designs. Among the highlights are items commissioned for the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanoff and the renowned Imperial Easter eggs, including one owned by Queen Elizabeth II. The collection also features gold boxes, animal and bird carvings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, rings, and diadems. Snowman has curated and catalogued Faberge exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York, and he has authored and edited numerous books, including "The Master Jewelers."