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| Rowan Tree c. 1900 Crown Copyright The Royal Collection Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
Made circa 1900 by Fabergé, this study of a Rowan tree is one of several botanical studies by Fabergé which were collected first by Queen Alexandra and, later, by Queen Mary. This work of rock crystal, nephrite, gold and purpurine was a particular favorite of Queen Alexandra who marveled at the lifelike sculpture.
The use of purpurine which exhibits colors from bright red to deep purple adds to the realism as the mineral was the perfect medium to replicate the berries of the Rowan tree, growing from fresh to those which withered on the branch. The leaves were carved from mottled Siberain nephrite, and the workmaster took great care in detailing each vein of the leaves, even on the underside of each.
Upon the death of Queen Alexandra, the piece was bequeathed to her daughter, Princess Victoria upon whose passing in 1925, willed the work to King George V, her brother.
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| Crown Copyright The Royal Collection |
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