Bay Tree Egg
Gold, enamel, nephrite, diamonds, rubies, amethysts, citrines, pearls, onyx, and feathers; h. 27.3 cm (closed)
by House of Fabergé, and unknown other/s, 1911
Fabergé Museum, Saint Petersburg
Photograph by Testus, 2017

Crafted from nephrite, the surface of this egg is adorned with numerous intricately carved nephrite leaves, replicating the form of bay leaves. Four main branches emerge from the chased gold trunk, and divide into smaller ones, holding the leaves on gold twigs. Scattered amongst the leaves are over a hundred white enamel flowers with diamond centres, and a matte finish contrasting the polished green nephrite. Rose-cut diamonds representing the buds, and pale rubies and champagne diamonds for the fruit, are scattered throughout. The box from which the tree emerges is made of white Mexican onyx, its sides laid with gold trelliswork, and decorated with green enamelled swags, set with cabochon rubies. A pearl surmounts each corner of the box. The entire piece rests upon a nephrite base, with four slender columns rising from the corners. These columns, decorated with gold spirals of foliage, support garlands of green enamel husks, and pearls. A hidden mechanism is incorporated within the egg, disguised as a piece of fruit nestled amongst the leaves. When activated, a section of the canopy hinges opens, hidden by leaves, revealing a surprise. A small, clockwork, feathered songbird emerges from the opening. As it rises, it flutters its wings, turns its head, opens its beak, and even emits a song. Once its performance is complete, the bird descends back into its hidden chamber of a gold filigree, and the canopy closes, returning the egg to its original form. This particular egg stands as Fabergé's most popular work, having changed hands more frequently than any other.