Blue Serpent Clock (Fabergé egg)

The Blue Serpent Clock Egg is a jewelled Easter egg made under the supervison of the Russian jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé in 1887, for the then Tsar of Russia, Alexander III.

Tsar Alexander III presented the egg to his wife Tsarina Maria Feodorovna.

The egg is currently located in Monaco as part of Prince Rainier III of Monaco's collection.

Craftsmanship

The egg is made of varicoloured gold, diamonds, translucent royal blue and opalescent white enamel.

History of the egg

This egg was designed as a clock in the Sevres tradition. It's a good example of the quatre couler technique. A diamond-set serpent is coiled around the shaft supporting the egg. The head and tongue point to the hour.

The egg is similar to the "Duchess of Marlborough Egg" (ca. 1902). This is interesting because Faberge had a rule of not repeating a design.

Surprise

As a clock egg, it had no surprise.

See also

• Fabergé egg
• Egg decorating