An Important Fabergé Chalcedony, Gold And Enamel Bell Push

An Important Fabergé Chalcedony, Gold And Enamel Bell Push

Description

An important Fabergé chalcedony, gold and enamel bell push, enamelled translucent blush and pearl grey with sunburst guilloche background, with circular cabochon-cut blue chalcedony pushpiece set within beaded border, varicolour gold arabesques and paterae, and chased laurel leaves with rosettes at intervals raised upon oval green chalcedony base with four compressed reeded feet, measuring approximately 8 x 5 cm, signed by workmaster Johan Victor Aarne, St. Petersburg, 1899-1908, 56 standard, gross weight 113.7 grams

An exquisite bell push made by Fabergé. Fabergé was established in St Petersburg in 1842, and by the late nineteenth century, was Russia’s largest and best-known jewellery house. The house has become known for their royal commissions and their close ties to the family of Tsar Nicholas II. This piece features a carved chalcedony base with a gorgeous, enamelled face set with decorated yellow gold motifs. The push piece is carved from chalcedony and rests on top of a marvellous carved gold motif. In the early twentieth century, as the use of electricity become more common among the upper class, Fabergé began to produce objects with electrical capabilities such as this piece. This bell push would have rested on a table and been used by the owner to summon a member of household staff. A truly magnificent piece that exemplifies Fabergé innovation and craftsmanship.