Morbidity, Faberge, the Gales of Kansas, and a Tease for Pink Saturday

I don't know why, but I can never see enough Fabergé eggs. They just amaze me.

Carl Fabergé and his goldsmiths designed and constructed the first egg in 1885. It was commissioned by Czar Alexander III of Russia as an Easter and 20th anniversary surprise for his wife Czarina Maria Fyodorovna.

On the outside it looked like a simple egg of white enameled gold, but it opened up to reveal a golden yolk. The yolk itself had a golden hen inside it, which in turn had a tiny crown with a ruby hanging inside, reminiscent of the Matryoshka nesting dolls.

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander appointed Fabergé a "Court Supplier" and commissioned an Easter gift each year thereafter, stipulating only that it be unique and contain a surprise. His son, Nicholas II of Russia continued the tradition, annually presenting an egg each spring to his wife Alexandra Fyodorvna as well as his then-widowed mother.

From 1885, the eggs were produced almost every year. Once an initial design was approved, the work was carried out by an entire team of artisans under Peter Carl Fabergé, among them Michael Perkhin, Henrik Wigstrom and Erik August Kollin.

The Imperial eggs enjoyed uttermost fame and Fabergé made some 15 known eggs for just a few selected private clients, such as the Duchess of Marlborough, the Nobels, the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs. Among them is a series of 7 eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch. In addition, 8 eggs were made. They are not as extravagant as the Imperial eggs, and are not as original, often repeating designs that originated with the Imperial eggs.

Of 105 jewled eggs made byPeter Carl Fabergé and his assistants between 1885 and 1917, only sixty-nine are known to survive.






Tell the truth. Seriously. Doesn't this look like the Gales of Kansas reality show? There's Auntie Em and Uncle Henry and Dorothy sitting in front of the three hired hands.

I hope the show makes it long enough for Dorothy to get to Oz.

So what is this strangely bizzare and oddly fascinating photo about? I mean, that's some rather - um - unusual make up and costuming.
Actually, it's a photo that is included in this exhibit. I wish I could be in The Big Easy before June 6th to take in this show...it seems fascinating. And, perhaps, best viewed after two martinis. Click on the image to go to the gallery's site to read/see more about it.

Aren't these wild animal inspired jewels from Cartier pretty spectacular - or spectacularly pretty - or something?!

They are my tease for the day. They have (well, SORT of) something to do with tomorrow's Pink Saturday post and contest! Check in tomorrow to see who won Maude from last week's contest ... and what the contest tomorrow is about. You'll actually have to - gasp! - think a liiiiiittle bit on this one!




Now, go out there and make something beautiful - do it for the Gipper!

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(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥