Faberge Egg History

The imperial family of Russia commissioned artist Peter Carl Faberge to design a series of Easter eggs made of precious metal and jewels. Today, they are recognized as unique works of art, although only a limited number have survived to the modern day.

Hen Egg

The first Faberge egg, the Hen Egg, was created for Easter 1885 as a present from czar Alexander III to his wife Maria.

Annual Tradition

Alexander was so happy with the Hen Egg that he established an annual tradition whereby Faberge would produce additional eggs every Easter.

Father to Son

When Alexander died in 1894, his son Nicholas continued the tradition of Faberge eggs. He commissioned two for the following year, one for his mother and one for his wife.

The Revolution

When the Russian Revolution came, the Communists seized Faberge's business. He and his family fled to Switzerland, and the eggs were scattered or claimed by the Bolsheviks.

Final Numbers

Fifty Faberge eggs were made, but only 42 survived to the present day. Photographs of an additional two eggs can be found as well.

References

• Fabergé Eggs: Mementos of a Doomed Dynasty