The Egg, a rich strawberry enameled on a gold guilloché ground is encircled with Austrian crystals. The clasp, that closes the Egg, is engraved with the year in which it was made and given to Barbara Bazanot Kelkh, the Russian mining heiress and the wife of Alexander Kelkh. (The spelling of this name varies but used here is the correct Cyrillic spelling. The Egg rests on a 6 legged stand, legs joined by floral swags that are set with crystals.The stand was not original to the piece but made at a later date during the ownership of either King Farouk of Egypt or Lansdell K. Christie, the Liberian shipping magnate.

When opened the Egg displays a matte yellow yolk resting in a sea of glossy white enamel, not unlike a real egg. The yolk opens to reveal a tiny, (.75 inch), red and gold hen, realistically enameled, nested in the yolk. When the hen is removed one finds that the tail of the hen hides a minute hinge which allows the hen to open. Inside the hen, the ultimate surprise, a miniature easel with a framed portrait standing on it, both studded with Austrian crystals. and elaborately worked in gold The metal used in the box is gold plated sterling silver.

Retail: $750.00. Our price: $674.90.