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1 of 253523 objects
Henrik Immanuel Wigström (1862-1923)
Norfolk Black turkey 1907-09
Obsidian, lapis lazuli, purpurine, rose diamonds, gold | 9.7 x 8.5 x 7.3 cm (whole object) | RCIN 40446
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A Norfolk black turkey carved from obsidian with a lapis lazuli head, purpurine comb, rose diamond eyes and chased pink gold feet.
This breed of turkey was to be found only in East Anglia, and is therefore indisputable that this remarkable sculpture was made as part of King Edward VII's 1907 commission. Surprisingly, another example of this model, of identical design and proportion, does exist in a private collection and was apparently not acquired by the royal family. The black obsidian perfectly captures the full body and feathers of the bird and is combined with the purpurine, lapis lazuli and rose diamonds to represent the head of the creature. This model was purchased by the Prince of Wales (later King George V) from Fabergé's London branch in November 1909 for £55 and given to Queen Alexandra for her birthday on 1 December.
Mark of Henrik Wigström; gold mark of 72 zolotniks (1908-17)
Text adapted from Fabergé's Animals: A Royal Farm in MiniatureProvenance
Commissioned by King Edward VII, 1907 (the Sandringham Commission); bought by the Prince of Wales (later King George V) from Fabergé's London branch, 1909, (£55); presented to Queen Alexandra on her birthday, 1 December 1909
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Creator(s)
(jeweller)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Obsidian, lapis lazuli, purpurine, rose diamonds, gold
Measurements
9.7 x 8.5 x 7.3 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Place of Production
St Petersburg [Russia]
