A doe and three baby rabbits, carved in translucent vari-coloured dark brown agate with rose diamond eyes.

Fabergé produced a number of charming animal groups, several of which are represented in the Royal Collection. This doe and three baby rabbits are carved from a single piece of agate and their eyes set with rose diamonds. This model was purchased from the London branch by Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia (1854-1920) on 20 November 1913 and was presumably given to Queen Alexandra for her birthday (1 December). The Grand Duchess, wife of Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich (brother of Tsar Alexander III), was a great connoisseur of Fabergé’s work and she and her husband purchased and commissioned many pieces from the firm.

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