Lot 0096
A Russian silver-gilt and cut topaz cameo pendant with the portrait of Catherine the Great
Estimate: 4000-6000€
Cameo Pendant with Portrait of Catherine the Great
Ekaterinburg Lapidary Factory, second half of the 18th century
Silver-gilt, cut topaz
An oval pendant set with a finely carved topaz cameo depicting the profile portrait of Empress Catherine II, mounted in a silver-gilt frame with suspension loop. The work is attributed to the Imperial Lapidary Factory in Ekaterinburg, one of the foremost centers of stone carving in Russia.
Founded in 1726, the Ekaterinburg Lapidary Factory became Russia’s leading center for hardstone carving. Initially producing small items from jasper and quartz, it expanded in the mid-18th century to supply marble details for Imperial palaces. From 1782 the factory specialized in large vases and bowls from jasper, malachite, and other stones, later creating monumental works in the Empire style that served as diplomatic gifts.
In the 19th century, under the patronage of the Academy of Arts and later the Imperial Cabinet, the factory produced malachite vases, church furnishings, and decorative objects for the Imperial court, securing its place as one of the foremost lapidary workshops in Europe.
See similar in Imperial Hermitage collection under the inventory numbers: К-1116 and К-1127
Dimensions with the ring: 7 x 4.2 cm.
Starting price: 3500€
Estimate: 4000-6000€
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