Easter eggs - a symbol of the Resurrection-have long been an especially valued gift in Russia. The celebration of Easter was always accompanied by the giving of presents, the most important of which were Easter eggs. This egg decorated with malachite in the Russian mosaic technique on an elegant stand of gilded bronze has been created by modern craftsmen in keeping with old tradition. Eggs made of semiprecious stones came into fashion in the late 18th century.

Gilded bronze, malachite.
Height 4 1/4 in. (11 cm);
base 2 x 2 in. (5 x 5 cm).