Faberge Eggs Imperial Russian Fantasies Poster Book

From the Introduction of this beautiful 68 page book: "The egg, perfect in form and carrying within it a new life, has been a universal symbol of rebirth for thousands of years. In Imperial Russia, where the Orthodox Christian Easter celebrating the resurrection of Christ was the most important holiday of the year, gaily decorated eggs were exchanged with the glad tidings 'Christ Is Risen!'. It remained for the Romanov Czars to raise this charming custom to the level of imperial luxury. And Peter Carl Faberge, jeweler extraordinary, was the guiding genius responsible pf these ultimate Easter eggs, aptly described by Rita Reif, antique editor of 'The New York Times', as 'glittering baubles made for a Czar'. As eggs they were perhaps the most extravagant expression of a centuries-old tradition; as objects they mark one of the crowning achievements of the art of the goldsmith and the jeweler. Between 1886 and 1916 a total of 53 eggs were presented to the Czarinas Alexandra and Maria. Other very wealthy families in Imperial Russia also commissioned Faberge to create eggs for them as well. In this striking volume, Faberge Eggs are presented in a way that will bring enjoyment to countless lovers of art and beauty everywhere with their splendor and virtuosity." This lushly illustrated volume contains dozens of full-color, full-page photos of many Faberge eggs along with descriptive text about the history of each one.