The precious metal and hardstone botanical studies, made c.1907-10, are expected to fetch up to £250,000 each when offered on June 11 at Hansons’ London saleroom, the Normansfield Theatre in Teddington where auctions were launched earlier this year by the Derbyshire firm.
“It was totally unexpected – as the best finds always are,” Hanson told ATG. “A client came along to our office in East Molesey carrying a cardboard box. Inside, wrapped in an old tea towel, was not one, but two, Fabergé flowers.”
Only about 80 Fabergé botanical studies are known.
This duo, the property of a distinguished lady, depict a barberry bush with purpurine berries and jade leaves in a carved rock crystal vase, and a morning glory blossom of enamel gold and diamond flowers in a jade jardinière with aventurine quartz stand.
One of the two Fabergé botanical studies being offered at Hansons in June.
Hanson, a regular face on TV programmes including Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, paid tribute to the craftsmanship inherent in the 6in (15cm) high flowers.
“These are 'objects de fantaisie’, simply made for guests to admire,” he said.
According to Franz Birbaum, Fabergé’s senior designer from 1896, this genre was inspired by Chinese art and came to Peter Carl Fabergé’s attention when the firm were called upon to repair a bunch of chrysanthemums from the palace of the Chinese Emperor.
“The Fabergé barberry bush with purpurine berries and jade leaves demonstrates breathtaking luxury,” said Hanson. “It’s chased and engraved gold stem sits within a carved rock crystal vase appearing to be half full of water. It is extraordinarily delicate with rich, soft red berries so real they could drop any time on ripening .
“The other Fabergé flower takes the form of a highly naturalistic morning glory blossom on a jade jardinière and aventurine quartz stand. The gold flowers, enamelled white with shades of pale pink and lilac are inset with 'dew drops' of diamonds. A bud is bursting to open and flower. The leaves are carved Siberian jade nephrite.”
The marks on the Fabergé botanical studies at Hansons.
