Description:
A Fabergé Russian silver and enamel photography frame, maker's mark of Michael Perchin [Perkhin], St Petersburg, before 1899, work master to Fabergé;
the rectangular strut frame with beaded border and oval photograph of Heifetz, within blue sunray guilloche enamel, ribbon tied laurels to the corners, ivory backing, inscribed inventory number "46175"; 11 cm high.
A gift to Heifetz from a member of the Czar's family, in gratitude for a performance by the young artist prior to his emigration to the United States.
Michael Perchin [1860-1903] qualified as a master craftsman in 1884 and his artistic potential must have been obvious to Fabergé who appointed him head workmaster in 1886. His workshop produced all types of objets de fantasie in gold, enamel and hard stones. All the important commissions of the time, including some of the Imperial Easter Eggs, the renowned "Fabergé eggs", were made in his workshop. His period as head Fabergé workmaster is generally acknowledged to be the most artistically innovative, with a huge range of styles from neo-Rococo to Renaissance.
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