Message #82933

[Bianca]

Orange Tree Egg (Bay Tree Egg) 



Gold, enamel, nephrite, diamonds, citrines, amethysts, rubies, pearls, agate, feathers;
original silver gilt key

Height
11 3/4 inches; 29.8 cm open

Marks
Fabergé, dated 1911

Case
Fitted red morocco; exterior stamped with the gold initials A.G.H.

Presented by Tsar Nicholas II to the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna on Easter 1911, a silver gilt key allowed the Dowager Empress to discover the surprise hidden within the egg-shaped topiary tree.

Tucked within the finely engraved nephrite leaves, enameled flowers and jeweled "fruit" is a gold winding mechanism.

When triggered, a portion of the foliage at the top of the tree rises.

Suddenly, music fills the air as a feathered nightingale emerges to chirp its tune while moving its beak and flapping its wings. When the melody ends, the bird descends automatically into its verdant nest until beckoned once more to sing.