Flower Study of Forget-Me-Nots
Turquoise, diamonds, rock crystal, silver gilt; 8.9 x 3.1 cm
by House of Fabergé, and Henrik Wigström, c. 1885–1915
Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio

Fabergé's flower studies are remarkable works of art, distinguished by their exquisite craftsmanship. With this piece, each stem is crafted from silver-gilt and adorned with finely rounded turquoise stones and rose-cut diamonds, elegantly arranged in basins carved from rock crystal that mimic pots of water. These delicate flowers, designed to resemble a bouquet of forget-me-nots, draw inspiration from two sources: the opulent floral brooches created for Catherine the Great in the 1700s and the refined Japanese art of ikebana. Fabergé's flower studies gained popularity as intimate gifts within the Russian court, often bestowed by the Tsarina and others to close friends. Their allure extended beyond mere decoration; the Tsarina herself cherished them dearly, often taking them to various imperial residences. In the harsh winters of Russia, these flower studies served as poignant reminders of spring, bringing a sense of warmth and beauty to the imperial family's surroundings.