Alexander III Equestrian Egg
Platinum, diamonds, rock crystal, gold, and lapis lazuli; height 15.5 cm
by House of Fabergé, and others not identified, 1910
Kremlin Armoury, Moscow
After a photograph by Shakko, 2011

This is one of the fours eggs commemorating Tsar Alexander III, and presented by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia to his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna. This version is carved from rock crystal, allowing the surprise to be on full display, and its surface features engraving work that includes two tied laurel leaf sprays. The top of the egg features a platinum trelliswork design, a geometric lattice that further accentuates the craftsmanship. A large diamond bearing the year 1910, and set in a rosette border of platinum acanthus leaves, sits atop the egg. Delicate platinum tassels hang from the trellis, adding a touch of movement and whimsy. Flanking the egg on either side are platinum consoles in the form of double-headed eagles, with rose-cut diamond crowns. The base of the egg serves as a platform for the surprise, which is a miniature green gold equestrian statue of Tsar Alexander III (after Troubetzkoy's monumental statue in St Petersburg), on a lapis lazuli pedestal, decorated with rose-cut diamonds. The entire egg rests upon a crystal base adorned with cast platinum cherubs. The egg was confiscated from the imperial family in 1917, and was kept in the Kremlin Armoury from 1927, where it has remained since.