This piece was made in or after 1894. The insignia found on the bottom, lower side of the egg, signifies that it was made during the reign of Nicholas II. The Cyrillic "N" between the Cyrillic "F" and "L" gives this fact away. The Lukutin Factory produced this egg, which was probably made sometime around the Easter holiday. It is a popular time for Russians to give each other eggs of all sizes and made from a variety of materials. This egg has a hole drilled directly through the top, which was for a ribbon that people tied into a knot at the bottom with a loop at the top for hanging. This was one of the first indications that lacquer art was becoming a collectible item in Russia, since not every item the factory was making went to everyday use like a snuff box or a tea caddy.
Oil-based paint is the main medium that over the years has developed hairline fissures in the composition due to age and changing heat and atmospheric conditions. The shiny substance found in Christ's tunic is aluminum primer that was painted over so the paint above could glow. His image is done with ultimate care and attention to detail. His face is stoic and cloth is plain, which is demanded by the icon painting style. Although this is not a traditional icon the influence of the style is present and cannot be ignored. On the back of the egg there is a chalice, the Ten Commandments, and the Gospel. This is a symbol that the Christian faith is the cup of life that springs from the sacrifice Jesus made for all sinners. On the symbolic red lacquer the gold chalice and the composition on the other side of the egg give off a rich feeling that has lasted for as long as the egg has been in existence.
This egg is dated to being from between 1894-1902. The insignia under the chalice on the back of the egg comes from that era, and is the second version to be used by the workshop in those years. A picture of this insignia can be found in N. Krestovskaya's book, "Fedoskino Lacquer Miniatures," on page 119.
This is an exquisite masterpiece, and a quite rare one at that. These pieces are getting harder and harder to find, and since this piece is a seasonal one that was made for the Easter holiday, it is just that much more rare. It is made from paper-mache by the standards that have allowed the material to survive over a hundred years of handling. The hole drilled through the top and out of the bottom is for ribbon that would be knotted up at the bottom and hung from the top. An unbelievable find.
Materials: paper-mache, oil-based paint, gold, and lacquer.
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About Artist Anonymous, :
In the world of art some of the greatest paintings, sculptures, and literary works have not been signed by the artists, sculptors, or writers who completed them. If Anonymous were a name of a real person he/she would go down as the most well rounded artist, writer, and poet in history. These unsung people, having contributed to the world of art over the years, have chosen to stay anonymous for various reasons. Whatever reasons they may be these artists have shown there is more to the world art than gaining notoriety. The idea of creating art for art's sake is what draws artists to want to create beauty. When an artist creates something truly beautiful, no matter if it is signed or not, that
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Item Specifications:
- Title: "The Savior Easter Egg 1894"
- Weight: 1.2 oz 35 g
- Price: $1850.00
- This specific item is available as a single work.
We do not expect to carry this item in the foreseeable future!
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