Order of St George Egg
Silver, gold, enamel, rock crystal, and watercolour on ivory; h. 9 cm
by House of Fabergé, and possible Vasilii Zuiev, 1916
Fabergé Museum, Saint Petersburg
Photograph by Uklondoncom, 2018

Crafted from silver and enamel, the body of this egg is covered in a greenish-hued opaque enamel with a subtle mother-of-pearl effect. One side of the egg is adorned with the Badge of the Order of St George in white and red enamel, suspended from a ribbon bow. The other side features a silver medallion of Nicholas II in profile, also suspended from a bow. These both open with the press of a button to reveal hidden compartments containing the surprises, which are watercolour miniature portraits. One is of Tsar Nicholas II, and the other, his son, Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich. The overall design incorporates other elements that reference Russia's military Order of St George. A ribbon, enamelled in black and orange, the colours of the Order, encircles the egg's body. At the top of the egg sits a wreath in green enamel and rubies containing the Dowager Empress’ cipher and imperial crown in silver. The base has an identical wreath, except it bears the year 1916. The egg's overall aesthetic reflects the wartime context in which it was created. Due to World War I, resources were limited, and the egg features a simpler design compared to other Fabergé creations. There are no precious stones or intricate mechanisms incorporated into this piece. This was the last egg presented to the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna.