A water buffalo, carved in blue grey chalcedony with ivory horns and cabochon ruby eyes.

The exceptional translucence of this piece of chalcedony has been perfectly utilised in this animal carving. Combined with ivory horns and cabochon ruby eyes, it is one of the most successful of Fabergé’s animal sculptures. It was purchased by King George V from Fabergé’s London branch in November 1913 at a cost of £41, together with the kangaroo and joey, a koala bear and a camel.

Text adapted from Fabergé in the Royal Collection