MARKED K. FABERGÉ WITH THE IMPERIAL WARRANT, MOSCOW, 1894, SCRATCHED INVENTORY NUMBER 4392

Details

A GEM-SET SILVER EWER IN THE FORM OF A RABBIT
MARKED K. FABERGÉ WITH THE IMPERIAL WARRANT, MOSCOW, 1894, SCRATCHED INVENTORY NUMBER 4392
Realistically cast and chased resting upright on its hind legs, with its head raised and ears up, the hinged head forming the lid, with cabochon garnet eyes, gilt interior, the neck rim inscribed ‘Archangelsky 6 Juillet 1894.’, marked under base, on head and rim
10 3/8 in. (26.4 cm.) high
42 oz. (1,305 gr.) gross

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Lot Essay

The inscription ‘Archangelsky 6 Juillet 1894’ on the present rabbit refers to the Arkhangelskoe Palace, which belonged to the Yusupov family. On 6 July 1894 the family was celebrating the name day of Prince Felix Yusupov, Count Sumarokov-Elston (1856-1928) and his seven-year old son Felix Yusupov (1887-1967). A large summer fair was organised on the Archangelskoe estate that day. On 5 July, the Yusupovs also hosted a dinner for special guests, including Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich, the Troubetzkoys and the Golitsyns. It is possible that this silver rabbit was a gift to one of the Felix Yusupovs on this memorable occasion.

Only a few examples of animal-form ewers were produced by Fabergé. Another comparable example of a rabbit-shaped ewer is in the Lillian Thomas Pratt Collection at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. Two other similar ewers in the form of a rabbit were sold Christie's, Geneva, 12 May 1980, lot 230 and Sotheby’s, London, 7 June 2016, lot 441.

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