Meticulously crafted and ostentatiously designed, the Fabergé Egg has long since been a prominent object for many affluent collectors. Taking into consideration that only 50 pre-1917 Imperial Fabergé Eggs are in existence, the Fabergé Egg has become one of the most sought after ornaments to add to one’s collection since the 20th century. Things only got more exciting with the announcement of two leading, luxury houses’ partnership to shape an ultra modern Fabergé Egg: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Fabergé come together to introduce to the public the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg.
This moment marks an auspicious day because the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg is officially the second commissioned of the Imperial Class after 1917. The Imperial Class is meant for only the finest masterpieces by Fabergé, so the creation of the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg is a testament to both Rolls-Royce and Fabergé’s heritage and legacy spanning over the last century.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “’The Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg was born from an intrinsic desire to further the realms of Bespoke personalisation. Responding to the continuing demands of patrons in search of unique and cherished possessions, a designer at the House of Rolls-Royce sketched an Egg, igniting a fascination that will undoubtedly become one of the most collectable items of modern times.”
Since 1911, the Spirit of Ecstasy has been seen as an iconic symbol of every Rolls-Royce automobile. Therefore, it being encased in a Fabergé Egg provides Rolls-Royce patrons with a familiar feeling that’s reminiscent of the time they first acquired their Rolls-Royce motor car. This Fabergé Egg’s complicated and radiant appearance is contributed to Rolls-Royce Designers Stefan Monro and Alex Innes, as well as Fabergé Lead Designer Liisa Tallgren, who carried out the crafting process. In addition, the Egg is birthed with a sense of vigor and spirit thanks to the efforts of Fabergé workmaster Paul Jones, who has brought the prestige of the Fabergé Egg back in an innovated, new way.
Fabergé put together a team of seven skilled craftsmen and used the finest of materials paired with the craftsmens’ top notch abilities as artist jewelers to build the Egg. In addition, its elaborate design pays homage to Fabergé’s longstanding heritage and is very reminiscent of the well known Imperial Eggs commissioned by Fabergé.
The Egg, which is 160mm tall and weighs 400g, stands on top of an engine-turned, hand engraved, purple enamel guilloché base of 18 karat white gold. Illuminated by arms of rose gold, its body is explicitly delineated with the arms working as a protective casing for the interior of the Egg. Festooned with approximately 10 carats of spherical white diamonds, the rose gold vanes conjoin together to become sheathes of amethyst with a heft of 390 carats.
Attached to the base of the Egg, a lever can be used to operate the mechanics that, when switched, begins to put on a show by slowly opening up to reveal the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ encased inside, of which is hand-sculptured in frost rock crystal. The purplish tone of the enamel and amethyst pay homage to the Imperial Fabregé Eggs, which are well known for their vivid and whimsical hues.
Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell, Business Development and Global Sales Director, Fabergé added, “Two years in the making, we are very excited to unveil this special piece to our clients and partners across the globe together with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and are proud to continue making history by creating bespoke and unique pieces such as this. The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Egg marks a demonstration of the reputation that Fabergé proudly carries today.”
This new ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg does not only look exemplary, but is also a technological wonder. It Boasts an advanced operating mechanism, which underwent computer assisted design and animation, as well as cultivated with micro engineering. All said, it’s an extremely innovative type of Fabergé Egg that both embodies the past and the future, alike. Without the assistance of the goldsmiths’ use of aesthetics and skill to blend it with mechanics, the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg would not have been such a success. The craftsmanship of this innovative creation with its complex and meticulous opening mechanism can be labeled the most intricate opening ever crafted for a Fabergé Egg.
Spanning from 1885 to 1916, Imperial Fabergé Eggs were crafted with close ties to the Russian Imperial family. What makes this class of Fabergé Eggs so prominent, aside from their extravagant appearance; limited number; and complex inner mechanisms; is the cultural significance and history they shared with the Russian Imperial family. Throughout Emperor Alexander III’s reign, there was a total of 10 commissioned Eggs. As for the remaining 40 Eggs, they were crafted at the time of Alexander III’s son, Nicholas II. He had two Eggs made for each year of his reign to honor his mother the dowager and his wife, respectively. Furthermore, if we take a look into Rolls-Royce’s extensive archives, it will reveal that Nicholas II also happened to be a patron of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. These facts only further highlight the cultural value the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Egg embodies to both Fabergé and Rolls-Royce patrons across the globe.
Sean Gilbertson, Chief Executive Officer, Fabergé said, “A unique moment in both our companies’ history, the creation of the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Egg represents the meeting of two masters of unrivalled quality and design, showcasing two globally recognised symbols – the Fabergé Egg and the Spirit of Ecstasy.”
Though its premiered day at the House of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex, England, has already past. Art and Motor aficionados will still have the opportunity to enjoy a public exhibition in Fabergé’s London location this Christmastide.
Images Courtesy of: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
