1885 The Hen Egg, Imperial Faberge egg, Russia. Gold, rubies and enamel. Height: 6.4 cm. Made by The Fabergé firm, St Petersburg



An imperial Easter egg presented by Alexander III to his wife, Empress Maria Fiodorovna, for Easter 1885. The Hen, was made by Faberge at the behest of Emperor Alexander III for Empress Maria Fedorovna in 1885, possibly to mark the 20th anniversary of their betrothral. It imitates a natural egg and is golden, covered with a white opaque enamel. Inside there is a surprise in the form of a chicken figurine which held in its beak a ruby egg (presently lost). Via The Hermitage Museum, Russia.