  Commissioned in 1898, the Kelkh Hen Egg is the first of seven extraordinary eggs created for Varvara Kelkh (a wealthy heiress) that rival in importance and beauty the eggs made for the Czars. The outside of the egg is deep ruby-red enamel with a band of hand-set Austrian crystals encircling the egg's perimeter. Inside, the egg contains an oval of matte white with a matte yellow yolk. The yolk opens to reveal a brightly enameled hen that opens to disclose a tiny portrait of Czarevich Alexei, propped on an easel. Height 3 1/2" without stand.
|