Theatrical mask ring by Giovanni Pichler
Rome, circa 1770-1780
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A royal presentation brooch attributed to Carl Fabergé
St Petersburg, 1911-13
in the form of a stylised chakra mounted with rosecut diamonds, surrounding a ring of calibre cut rubies, overlaying a diamond set sword or sceptre.
Unsigned
Workmaster: Albert Holmström
Length: 4.2cm
The design for a near identical brooch set with rubies, as well as variants mounted with sapphires, appear in Albert Holmström’s design books in several places. The earliest record dates to 15th June, 1911 and the latest to 12th July, 1913.
The chakra is an ancient metal weapon in the form of a bladed wheel or discus. It is used by the Chakri dynasty, the ruling family of Thailand, as their royal emblem. The sword or sceptre likely represents one of the Benjarajakakuthaphan (Royal Regalia) used during the coronation ceremony, either the Phra Saeng Khan Chai Sri (Sword of Victory) or the Tharn Phra Korn (Royal Staff).
King Chulalongkorn, titled King Rama V, reigned as king of Siam from 1868 until his death on 23rd October, 1910. He was succeeded by his son Prince Maha Vajiravudh, who became King Rama VI. King Rama VI received two coronations, one private ceremony on 11th November, 1910 and a lavish public ceremony with accompanying festivities which started on 29th November, 1911.
As the designs for the brooches all date to the three years immediately following King Rama VI’s accession, it is likely they were commissioned as presentation jewels to coincide with his accession and coronation.
The Thai Royal Family not only received gifts made by Fabergé from the Russian Imperial Family, but became important customers who commissioned lavish objects and jewels from the firm. King Chulalongkorn would visit Fabergé’s shop in Moscow on 8th July, 1897. In 1904, Fabergé was invited to visit Siam by the King and in 1908, Nicholas Fabergé was granted an audience with him during a visit to Bangkok. For the coronation of King Rama VI in 1911, Fabergé set up a temporary exhibition in the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok for the duration on the festivities.
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