Fabergé Flowers

by Marilyn Pfeifer Swezey et al.

The fabulous Easter eggs that Carl Fabergi created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for the Russian imperial family are legendary. Yet few know that during those same years, the renowned goldsmith and jeweler crafted exquisite flowers and fruit for his aristocratic clients throughout Europe, including the crowned heads of Russia and England. Carved from colored hardstones, set on gold stems, and embellished with jewels and enamels, these stunning pieces meticulously replicated real botanical specimens: wild roses, lilies of the valley, hawthorn flowers, and blueberries.
This beautiful volume tells for the first time the story of these tiny marvels, most of which disappeared or were sold following the Russian revolution. Today, Fabergi's existing botanical creations, such as the Wild Rose Collection of Queen Elizabeth II and the Red Currants at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, are found in museums and private collections. "Fabergi Flowers combines superb photographs of these dazzling objects of fantasy with texts that illuminate the lost world of Fabergi's early collectors.

Genres: Russia

128 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2004

Reviews

[Remember_True · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the creation, loss and recovery of part of the treasure trove of flowers created by Carl Faberge's workshops. It is written by a variety of authors, one or two of whom do go on at extended length. All of the flowers are described in excruciating detail; you won't miss a bit of what they are made of. For casual reading, it's a bit slow, overall. If you're trying to learn as much as possible, you will be absolutely thrilled. The photography showcases these amazing pieces. To my eye, they're surprisingly simple. There was no demand for fancy blossoms; these are mainly wildflowers.
I can safely say that everything I know about Faberge' flowers -- even the existence of such things -- comes from this book. I also learned that enamel, real enamel, is a type of glass. It's different from lacquer, for instance. So you never know what you'll pick up from this book. And by all means, do not skip the preface, by Joyce Lasky Reed. The first five sentences sucked me right in. There was no way I was not going to finish this book after reading that.

[Rebecca Huston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at an exhibition on the Romanovs, and it is exquisite. This book is a lovely look at the height of decorative objects from the House of Faberge, and it is worth the cost. Best recommended for art and history junkies. Very much recommended.

For the long review, please go here:
http://www.mylot.com/post/2984414/rev...