Imperial Hand Seal

probably 1899–1908

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 555

On loan to The Met

This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.

When Matilda Geddings Gray acquired this hand seal it was accompanied by at least two removable silver seals (perhaps one with the imperial double-headed eagle and one with the sipher of Czarina Alezandra Feodorovna). She had them replaced with her seal—her entwined initials.

[Wolfram Koeppe, 2011]

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Imperial Hand Seal
Maker: House of Carl Fabergé
Date: probably 1899–1908
Culture: Russian, probably St. Petersburg
Medium: Nephrite, diamond, gold, silver, guilloché ondé enamel
Dimensions: Overall: 3 5/8 x 1 1/8 (max.) x 2 1/8 (max) in. (9.2 x 2.9 x 5.4 cm)
Classification: Lapidary Work
Credit Line: Matilda Geddings Gray Foundation
Object Number: L.2011.66.19
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts