Clock

1908–17

Clock, 1908–17. Henrik Wigström (Russian, 1862–1923), House of Fabergé (Russian, 1842–1918). Nephrite, gold, enamel, diamonds; overall: 7.9 x 3.4 x 2.5 cm (3 1/8 x 1 5/16 x 1 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, The India Early Minshall Collection 1966.475 The use of Russian hardstones in creating precious objects became a hallmark of design from the House of Fabergé. Easily carved, these minerals were sourced largely from the western region surrounding the Ural Mountains. Fabergé's workmasters used colorful stones such as agate, lapis lazuli, rock crystal, rhodonite, and nephrite (jade), seen here in this small desk clock, to create and embellish flower studies, animal figures, and all manner of luxurious accessories. The face of this small luxurious desk clock features tiny pink enameled roses in place of the customary numbers along with hour and minute hands paved in diamonds.