A portrait model of a large sow, lying down, pale aventurine-quartz with rose diamond eyes.

The recumbent pose of this sow was acutely observed from life by one of the team of sculptors working at Sandringham. Pigs were surprisingly popular examples of Fabergé's animal sculptures - Marie Feodorovna had several examples among her large collection of Fabergé models, and many were purchased from Fabergé's London branch by Queen Alexandra, King George V, Queen Mary and Princess Victoria. This particular sculpture belonged to Princess Victoria, who had purchased a pig from Fabergé's London branch on 25 November 1912 at a cost of £14 10s. It was later exhibited at the exhibition of Russian art in Belgrave Square, London, in 1935.

Text adapted from Fabergé's Animals: A Royal Farm in Miniature