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![A LARGE AND IMPORTANT NEPHRITE MODEL OF A CARP [KOI]](https://staging.christies.com/img/LotImages/2016/CKS/2016_CKS_11997_0236_000(a_large_and_important_nephrite_model_of_a_carp_koi_by_faberge_circa_19091640).jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The present lot is an exceptionally large and rare example of a Fabergé hardstone animal. Carved from a single piece of nephrite, this model of a carp showcases Fabergé's celebrated lapidary work. It has been suggested that the inscription on the base relates to the large cost of the present lot. When designing models of animals, the firm's designers often drew inspiration from Japanese netsuke. Carl Fabergé himself was an avid collector and kept over 500 netsuke in his flat on Bol’shaya Morskaya street. Just as much of an inspiration were other animal subjects produced in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912).
The carp (koi) is a particularly significant symbol in Japan; it stands for perseverance and determination, as it swims upstream. The modelling of the present lot bears a resemblance to Meiji bronzes, which served as inspiration for other works by the firm. A silver elephant produced by the First Silver Artel (to which Julius Rappoport left his production molds, including those for animals) was reputedly a direct copy of a Meiji bronze (G. von Hapsburg, Fabergé: The Imperial Craftsman and His World, London, 2000, p. 118, No. 183, illustrated). In addition, a silver and bowenite table lamp in the form of a dragon (sold Christie's, London 8 June 2010, lot 188), produced in Rappoport’s workshop and formerly in the collection of the Nobel family, owes a significant debt to Meiji bronzes and Japanese design.
Unfortunately the original Fabergé case that accompanies the present carp was badly damaged by water while held in a safe, resulting in the green staining and need for restoration.
For a similar example of large carving of a carp in obsidian by Fabergé, see exhibition catalogue, Wartski, Japonisme: from Falize to Fabergé, London, 2011, p. 98, illustrated p. 108, no. 190 and exhibition catalogue, A La Vieille Russie, Fabergé, New York, 1983, p. 117, no. 419. A similar model of a fish in aventurine quartz was sold Christie's, Geneva, 12 May 1981, lot 97.
The carp (koi) is a particularly significant symbol in Japan; it stands for perseverance and determination, as it swims upstream. The modelling of the present lot bears a resemblance to Meiji bronzes, which served as inspiration for other works by the firm. A silver elephant produced by the First Silver Artel (to which Julius Rappoport left his production molds, including those for animals) was reputedly a direct copy of a Meiji bronze (G. von Hapsburg, Fabergé: The Imperial Craftsman and His World, London, 2000, p. 118, No. 183, illustrated). In addition, a silver and bowenite table lamp in the form of a dragon (sold Christie's, London 8 June 2010, lot 188), produced in Rappoport’s workshop and formerly in the collection of the Nobel family, owes a significant debt to Meiji bronzes and Japanese design.
Unfortunately the original Fabergé case that accompanies the present carp was badly damaged by water while held in a safe, resulting in the green staining and need for restoration.
For a similar example of large carving of a carp in obsidian by Fabergé, see exhibition catalogue, Wartski, Japonisme: from Falize to Fabergé, London, 2011, p. 98, illustrated p. 108, no. 190 and exhibition catalogue, A La Vieille Russie, Fabergé, New York, 1983, p. 117, no. 419. A similar model of a fish in aventurine quartz was sold Christie's, Geneva, 12 May 1981, lot 97.