Among the many materials which Fabergé employed in the making of his remarkable bibelots, not the least were the hardstones: malachite, obsidian, chalcedony, rock crystal, nephrite, purpurine, jasper, agate, jade, lapis-lazuli, bowenite, rhodonite, citrine, the list is endless. His selection of hardstone was determined entirely by the most appropriate use for the subject matter and this provided the figures great individuality and stature. Also, he combined these hardstones with precious metals and gems, seamlessly integrating each with the other creating miniature works of art with each figure or flower made.

His animals had what art historians describe as "psychologically interpretive aspects," the accentuation of particular characteristics of each subject giving them personalities and very distinctive charm. They were much sought after and, today, like all Fabergé treasures, they reside in museum collections; The Forbes Collection, The Royal Collection in London, The Collection of the Prince of Wales and several museums in Moscow each having substantial hardstone collections.
The Polar Bear on The Ice Floe is hand carved of crystal and rock crystal with enormous detail in the fur. The eyes are rubies and are the only color in the figure. It is an incredible reproduction done with enormous care and tremendous skill.and one would be hard put to see a difference between it and the original.

Retail: $600.00. Our price: $539.90.