Outstanding among the world's artistic treasures are the works of Carl Faberge (1846-1920), a Russian jeweller and goldsmith who revolutionised the realm of jewellery design with his innovative creations. Through this important joint project of Russian and Western scholars, Faberge and his legacy are presented against the background of royal patronage and his significant role as Imperial Jeweller to the Russian Court.
The name and international reputation of Faberge has long been associated with the Imperial Easter eggs that he produced for Tsar Alexander III, beginning in 1885, and subsequently for Tsar Nicholas II - yet Faberge's artistic genius extends far beyond these fabulous eggs. His close association with the Russian Imperial Family led to the creation of stunning objects to commemorate Nicholas's coronation in 1896, hundreds of presentation gifts offered to visiting heads of state and dignitaries, and scores of works produced to honour the tercentenary of the Romanov dynasty in 1915. Faberge's fame beyond Russia was confirmed when he exhibited his sparkling miniature replica of the Tsar's Imperial Regalia at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris.
A unique aspect of this examination of Faberge's career is found in the personal items and objets de fantaisie he made for the Russian Imperial Family and its royal relations. Among them are the tiny hardstone animals carved for Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII (now in the ' collection of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II), and the pair of wine coolers that mark the Golden Wedding Anniversary of King Christian IX and Queen Louise of Denmark. All facets of royal life in Europe - from births to weddings and anniversaries - merited gifts from Faberge.
Seen here are more than 550 objects and drawings produced in Faberge's workshops, with nearly half of these works originating from Russian institutions. Twelve leading scholars from the United States, Europe, and Russia have contributed new perspectives on Faberge. The book's seventeen chapters address the Mouse of Faberge, which is being restored in St. Petersburg by the Faberge Arts Foundation, and the firm's history and operations in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and London. Other chapters provide glimpses into Faberge's technical production and the newly discovered design books of his head workmaster Henrik Wigstrom.
One consequence of the recent collapse of the former Soviet Union has been the opening of Russian archives to scholars. Long-lost documents relating to Faberge and his relationship with the Russian Imperial Family and its Court have garnered a wealth of new information that is published here for the first time. Also found in these Russian archives are photographs of Nicholas II, Alexandra Feodorovna, and their children, as well as the memoirs of Franz Birbaum, Faberge's most ingenious designer, whose writings offer personal insights into the daily operations of the famed jewellery firm. In this fully illustrated book, the vast production of the House of Faberge is re-examined anew and the genius of Carl Faberge celebrated with wonder and admiration.

476 pages Over 560 colour illustrations of works by Faberge Over 100 black and white illustrations, many derived from Russian archives