A striking, Imperial Russian miniature egg pendant, made around the turn of the 20th century. This egg-shaped pendant is modeled in 84 zolotnik silver, and is decorated with cloisonne enamel. This raised work features a series of circles, scallops, and paisleys, rendered here in vibrant red, blue, green, and white enamel— these are the colors of the Russian flag with the addition of green, which may signify rebirth at Easter. This pendant is marked on the primary loop for 84 zolotnik silver, and with the initials AP.

Materials

84 Zolotnik Silver (.875)
Enamel

Age

c. 1890 - 1900

Dimensions

Length without suspension ring approx 16.9 mm; width is approx 9.6 mm.

Notes

This little egg was part of a family collection, originating in St. Petersburg, and passed down from a great-grandmother to her female grandchildren. Each of these eggs, which were originally given as gifts during eastertide, was sewn into this woman's garments when her family fled to Finland, to escape the violence of the Russian Revolution.