DALLAS, TX.- On May 13, with its third major auction in the category in the last two years, Heritage has continued to prove itself an international leader in Russian decorative arts with its stunning Imperial Fabergé and Russian Works of Art Signature® Auction, which set auction records and realized $2.45 million. The auction saw more than 400 bidders competing for 148 historically significant lots that showcased Russia's exquisite decorative arts legacy from before and after its Revolution. Heritage's diligence, scholarship, and connection with this category has shifted the market's focus from Europe back to the United States.
The auction's top-selling lot — a turn-of-the-last-century Fabergé shaded cloisonné enameled gilt silver punch service by Feodor Rückert — sold for $750,000 with premium, setting a world record at auction for a Fabergé punch service. A pair of Imperial porcelain factory vases from the period of Alexander I sold for $162,500; the only other known pair of this model are in the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. A lot that slashed through expectations came from a private Texas collection: A Russian Imperial gold-inlaid blackened steel presentation Kinjal given to a member of the French Royal Family, Prince Robert, Duc de Chartres, sold for $75,000, well over its estimate. This appears to be a record for a Russian Imperial Presentation Kinjal.
Works from the Fabergé Heritage Collection, assembled nearly two decades ago as an archival reference for the revived Fabergé firm, caught the public's attention. From it: An Imperial gem-set and enameled gilt miniature bratina, purchased by Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich and his sister Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, sold for $57,500; two miniature Fabergé frames went for $47,500 and $45,000; and a Guilloché enameled gilt silver Cendrier, centering the flag of St. Andrew and purchased by Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, sold for $32,500. The Imperial provenance of this piece was rediscovered by Heritage's Russian team. An amethyst brooch purchased by the Imperial Cabinet for presentation by Empress Maria Feodorovna sold well above its high estimate at $27,500.
Among other top sellers: At $52,500 was a Cloisonné enameled and gem-set gilt silver kovsh by Grigorii Mikhailovich Sbitnev, a renowned Moscow silversmith and enameller who often worked in elongated or adapted form. This work's eccentric handle and foot are exemplars of his style.
"Heritage is pleased with the results of our spring sale of Imperial Fabergé and Russian Works of Art, which totaled more than $2.4 million," said Nick Nicholson, Heritage's Director of Russian Works of Art. "As always, collectors responded to works with Imperial provenance, exceptional histories and high quality."
