Luxury Artifact: Antique Fabergé Cigarette Case Achieves High Auction Bid
A Dazzling Peek into the Lucrative World of Decorative Arts: Unveiling Feodor Rückert and His Fabergé Masterpieces
Eric Knowles, an esteemed antiques expert and consultant, can't hide his amazement over a silver-gilt enamel cigarette case, masterfully crafted by lesser-known Fabergé workmaster, Feodor Rückert.
Fabergé? Yes, the same feel-rich jeweler known for crafting the exquisite Imperial Easter Eggs, commisioned by the Russian tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II for their wives and mothers. But Fabergé's portfolio goes beyond the famous eggs to encompass High-end jewelry and objets d'art, as evidenced by a silver-gilt enamel cigarette case in the Etwall saleroom in Derbyshire.
Such tobacco receptacles were predominantly produced by Fabergé between the late 19th and early 20th centuries under Peter Carl Fabergé's guidance. These art pieces, often crafted from gold, silver, or platinum, were lavishly adorned with enamel, gemstones, and intricate engraving. The pieces were more than functional—they served as status symbols and cherished gifts among the Russian aristocracy.
A Brief Encounter with the Legendary Feodor Rückert
This cigarette case is a testament to Rückert's exceptional enamel work. Born in Germany in 1840, the enameler moved to Russia at the tender age of 14 to work for the Yusupov family, eventually becoming famous for their role in the assassination of the 'Mad Monk', Grigori Rasputin.
By 1886, Rückert had established a successful painting and silver studio in Moscow, the heart of Russian silver production, at 29 Vorontsovskaya Street. His long-lasting relationship with Fabergé is thought to have begun around 1887, when the jeweler opened a Moscow branch.
The move to Moscow was a strategic one. Moscow was growing as an international hub and home to a flourishing merchant class eager to flaunt their wealth in every opportunity, while Fabergé's affluent St Petersburg clients were more inclined towards the West's inspirations. In contrast, Moscow's newly rich fancied patriotic designs depicting Russian history, folklore, and Orthodox iconography.
Patriotic Fervor
Rückert was at his best in these themes, producing exceptional-quality enamel on filigree artworks in the traditional Russian style, often reproducing paintings of famous Russian painters, such as Viktor Vasnetsov. He did not work strictly for Fabergé, also creating silver for other notable Russian retailers like Ovchinnikov, Kurlyukov, and Bolin.
After 1908, Rückert blended elements of the Art Nouveau with Russian themes into his works, featuring abstracted floral forms, geometric motifs, and Russian folklore or history scenes. This period is regarded as his peak. His pieces are usually marked with his initials "Ф.Р." (in Cyrillic), alongside Fabergé's mark when they collaborated.
The cigarette case, which fetched £36,000, boasts intricate polychrome cloisonné enamel, including a vibrant stylized floral pattern and a magnificent en plein enamel image inspired by Mikhail Ivanovich Avilov's 1913 painting, Tsarevich Ivan Ivanovich on a Walk. The piece is dated 1915 and carries an inscription in Cyrillic, marking it as a commemorative gift from the Russian State General Electricity Company. The case is further embellished with a sapphire cabochon thumb-piece and a Cyrillic hallmark.
In conclusion, the cigarette case is a shining example of the Imperial Russian craftsmanship that made Fabergé renowned. It serves as encouragement for enthusiasts wishing to explore the world of decorative arts and one-of-a-kind treasures crafted by the legendary Feodor Rückert.
In addition to his fame on various television programs on antiques and collectables, Eric Knowles serves as a consultant at Hansons Auctioneers. For more information, visit www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
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- This cigarette case, showcasing Feodor Rückert's exceptional enamel work, is a prime example of how decorative arts, like jewellery and objets d'art, can be integrated into a lifestyle, becoming cherished items in the home-and-garden setting.
- Beyond the Imperial Easter Eggs, Fabergé was known for his high-end jewelry and decorative arts, as seen in the silver-gilt enamel cigarette case, which embodies lifestyle elements and home-and-garden decor with its intricate design and historical significance.
