Early Fabergé Tiger's Eye Cat With Diamond Gold Collar & Sapphire Eyes, c.1880

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Description

A rare and early animal study attributed to Peter Carl Fabergé, dating to circa 1880—created at the very beginning of … Read more A rare and early animal study attributed to Peter Carl Fabergé, dating to circa 1880—created at the very beginning of the period when Fabergé first introduced his celebrated series of hardstone animal figures. The most refined and widely recognized examples were produced later, between 1900 and 1913, making early works such as this particularly scarce and of notable historical interest.

Expertly carved from tiger’s eye—an exceptionally unusual material for Fabergé animal sculptures—the figure displays a charming and lifelike character. The cat is fitted with a finely crafted gold collar in 56 zolotnik standard (approximately 14K / 585 gold), set with five small, delicate old-cut diamonds and finished with a faceted gold bead. The eyes are set with natural faceted blue sapphires, lending the figure a vivid and expressive presence.

The collar bears Fabergé hallmarks, including a clearly struck Cyrillic “K.Ф” in an oval cartouche. Additional marks—the Greek letter Alpha for the St. Petersburg assay office, a female head turned to the left indicating a pre-1900 date, and the 56 gold standard—are present, though softly struck, yet remain legible.

The figure is preserved in its original antique Fabergé fitted box, presented in unrestored condition, further enhancing its authenticity and collector appeal.

Measurements:
Height: approximately 55 mm
Weight: 60.5 grams

A highly collectible and evocative early Fabergé work, well suited for a discerning collector of Russian Imperial objets d’art.

Please note: Works attributed to Karl Fabergé, the Fabergé workshops and their associated workmasters, as well as other objects produced during the Imperial Russian period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were not originally accompanied by certificates of authenticity at the time of manufacture.

Attribution and opinions regarding authenticity are based on examination of original maker’s and assay marks, analysis of materials and workmanship, assessment of construction techniques, and comparison with documented examples published in recognized scholarly literature and archival sources. Such evaluations represent informed expert opinion in accordance with accepted practices within the field of Russian Imperial decorative arts. See less