Bantam cockerel 1907-09
Obsidian, purpurine, jasper, rose diamonds, gold | 9.9 x 7.8 x 4.7 cm (whole object) | RCIN 40454
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A bantam cockerel, carved in obsidian with purpurite comb, jasper wattles, rose diamond eyes and chased pink gold feet.
This large-scale model of a cockerel uses obsidian to great effect - like most of the birds fitted with gold feet it was made in Henrik Wigström's workshop. A plate from the album of designs produced in his workshop shows a drawing of a cockerel on a similar scale to this one, although it was apparently executed in different hardstones. In 1909 Queen Alexandra purchased a cockerel for the comparatively high sum of £113 10s. The large scale of this example may indicate that it was this cockerel that she purchased.
Mark of Henrik Wigström; gold mark of 72 zolotniks (1908-17)
Text adapted from Fabergé's Animals: A Royal Farm in MiniatureProvenance
Commissioned by King Edward VII, 1907 (the Sandringham Commission); bought by Queen Alexandra from Fabergé's London branch, 1909, (£113 10s.)
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Creator(s)
(jeweller)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Obsidian, purpurine, jasper, rose diamonds, gold
Measurements
9.9 x 7.8 x 4.7 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Place of Production
St Petersburg [Russia]