The ‘Mona Lisa’ of Faberge eggs sells for a record US$30.2 million

A rare crystal and diamond Faberge egg crafted for Russia’s ruling family before it was toppled by revolution shattered records on Tuesday as it sold at auction for £22.9 million (US$30.2 million).

The Winter Egg, which was compared to the iconic Mona Lisa, was just one of seven of the opulent ovoids remaining in private hands, Christie’s London auction house said.

The 10cm (four-inch) tall egg is made from finely carved rock crystal, covered in a delicate snowflake motif wrought in platinum and 4,500 tiny diamonds. It opens to reveal a removable tiny basket of bejewelled quartz flowers symbolising spring.

The sale price, which included a buyer’s premium, topped the US$18.5 million paid at a 2007 Christie’s auction for another Faberge egg created for the Rothschild banking family.

Craftsman Peter Carl Faberge and his company created more than 50 of the eggs for Russia’s imperial family between 1885 and 1917, each elaborately unique and containing a hidden surprise.

Tsar Alexander III started the tradition by presenting an egg to his wife each Easter. His successor, Nicholas II, extended the gift to his wife and mother.