Two branches of wild cherries, one of three wild cherries of purpurine, the other with four blossoms of white enamel, engraved stamens and brilliant diamond centres; nephrite leaves on both red gold stalks, all set in a rock crystal vase.

Two separate gold stems support in one instance white enamelled cherry blossom and in the other, ripe red cherries carved from purpurine and suspended from gold stems and nephrite leaves. A vitreous compound, purpurine was manufactured by the Russian Imperial Glass Factory and was the only man-made material used in the production of the flowers.

Although produced in relatively small numbers, Fabergé’s botanical studies were highly prized as decorative objects. They were a welcome reminder of the short Russian spring and summer and an escape from the long, harsh winter. This flower formed part of Queen Alexandra’s collection.

Text adapted from Fabergé in the Royal Collection