LONDON — A rare Imperial Fabergé egg crafted for Tsar Nicholas II shattered the world auction record for a Fabergé object, selling for $13.8 million during a December 2025 sale at Christie’s London. The result surpasses the previous record of $9.6 million, set in 2007, marking a major moment for the Russian decorative arts market.
Created in 1904 by Peter Carl Fabergé, the egg is carved from rock crystal and features an intricately enameled miniature of the Imperial Palace in St. Petersburg concealed inside. Intended as an Easter gift from the tsar to Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, the piece belonged to the series of Imperial Fabergé eggs produced annually for the Romanov family.
Thought to have been lost for nearly a century, the egg resurfaced only recently, adding to the strong interest surrounding the sale. Christie’s specialists cited its exceptional provenance, craftsmanship, and historical significance as key factors driving competition among bidders from Europe, Asia, and the United States.
The final price underscores the continued global demand for rare Fabergé masterpieces and highlights the enduring fascination with objects connected to the last Russian imperial court.
By Daniel Harris — Art Market Editor
