Lot 132: A FABERGÉ SILVER-MOUNTED CARVED AGATE MINIATURE VASE, WORKMASTER JULIUS RAPPOPORT, ST. PETERSBURG, CIRCA 1900

A FABERGÉ SILVER-MOUNTED CARVED AGATE MINIATURE VASE, WORKMASTER JULIUS RAPPOPORT, ST. PETERSBURG, CIRCA 1900 the carved agate baluster-shaped, set on a ribbed, spreading silver foot, the side applied with miniature silver lizard marked with workmaster's initials and Fabergé in Cyrillic height 4 in. 10.2 cm Workmaster Julius Rappoport, St. Petersburg

This vase with a tiny silver lizard seemingly frozen in rapid movement across the surface is typical of the production of Julius Rappoport's workshop. Inspired by the lifecasts of Wenzel Jamnitzer and other Mannerist goldsmiths, Rappoport produced minutely chased reproductions of animals and plants to be mounted on hardstone vases, paperweights, and other desk accessories. For other examples, see Géza von Habsburg, et al, Fabergé: Imperial Craftsman and His World, London, 2000, pp. 116-117.

Wartski, London