Dearest collectors, prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime unveiling. On May 6, Sotheby’s will present a rare and mesmerizing collection—the Fabergé animals from Castle Howard!
For generations, these exquisite miniature sculptures remained hidden behind the grand doors of one of Britain’s most prestigious estates, cherished as a testament to the Howard family’s passion for art. Now, for the first time, this extraordinary menagerie—one of the last great private collections of Fabergé animals—will step out of the shadows and into the hands of new custodians.
A Hidden Treasure Comes to Light
Nestled in the picturesque hills of North Yorkshire, Castle Howard has long been a sanctuary for fine art, antiquities, and grand furnishings. Among its hidden treasures lies an extraordinary collection of Fabergé animals, crafted with the house’s signature whimsy and precision. Until now, these miniature marvels remained tucked away in a leather case, brought out only for grand dinner parties.
Influenced by the delicate carving traditions of Japan, China, and Europe, these creatures reflect Peter Carl Fabergé’s deep appreciation for miniature artistry. The collection closely mirrors the famed Sandringham Fabergé animals, commissioned in 1907 for King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, now housed in the Royal Collection.
Helen Culver Smith, Sotheby’s global head of Fabergé and Russian works of art, calls this auction an unparalleled opportunity: “In just over 30 exquisite works, the Fabergé animals from Castle Howard parallel both those owned by the British Royal Family and members of the Russian Imperial Court. With the latter scattered after the Revolution and the former still held in the Royal Collection, these hidden treasures now offer collectors worldwide a rare chance to acquire museum-quality pieces.”
First Look at The Fabergé Animals from Castle Howard
Every animal in this collection is a testament to Fabergé’s mastery of hardstone carving. The selection includes pigs, dogs, frogs, ducks, and elephants, each brought to life through an intricate choice of stones and poses. The smallest, a vole delicately sculpted from smoky quartz, contrasts with a strikingly large obsidian rhinoceros. A rock crystal elephant, expected to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000 (approximately $25,180 to $37,770), adds another layer of rarity to the offering.
Among the most extraordinary pieces is a bloodstone anteater—one of only a handful known to exist—estimated at £45,000 to £65,000 ($56,650 to $81,830).
British jeweler Kenneth Snowman once described Fabergé’s animal sculptures as “essays in stone,” highlighting the brand’s meticulous sourcing of materials to replicate natural textures. One such example is a rhinoceros carved from white obsidian, an unusually luminous form of the typically dark volcanic stone. The mineral’s natural veining mimics the wrinkles of the animal’s thick skin, making it an exceptionally rare piece. Sotheby’s anticipates bids between £50,000 and £70,000 ($62,950 to $88,130).
Fabergé’s artistry extended beyond familiar animals, incorporating the rich hues of agates, often sourced from Russia’s Ural Mountains, to create lifelike fur, feathers, and hides. A Siberian ibex from the collection, carved from a single piece of stone, showcases the brand’s extraordinary ability to sculpt in three dimensions. The delicate space between its horns and body highlights the precision of its craftsmanship. This striking figure is estimated at £45,000 to £65,000 ($56,650 to $81,830).
The collection also boasts an elegant selection of birds, including a gold-mounted owl, a nephrite study of an owl, and an exceptionally rare agate hoopoe with gold feet. Woodland creatures, such as an aventurine quartz hare and a smoky quartz vole, add a touch of enchantment.
A Historic Sale with a Noble Cause
The Fabergé animals from Castle Howard, along with European desk accessories, will be auctioned as part of Sotheby’s “Fabergé, Gold Boxes, & Vertu” sale in Geneva. A portion of the proceeds will support the restoration of the estate’s tapestry drawing room, which suffered fire damage in 1940.
Castle Howard, an architectural masterpiece designed in 1699 by dramatist and architect John Vanbrugh for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, remains a cornerstone of British heritage. Nicholas Howard, who manages the estate with his wife Victoria, acknowledges the emotional weight of parting with the collection:
“I’m sad to be losing these beautiful pieces, but they deserve to be seen more often than they currently are. The funds from the sale will help restore the tapestry drawing room, a space that will be enjoyed by all who visit.”
The restored drawing room is set to reopen in April, showcasing the original tapestries that once adorned its walls.
In addition to the Fabergé collection, Sotheby’s sale will feature an extraordinary array of gold boxes, including 18th-century snuff boxes from Paris, London, Geneva, and Vienna. Nearly 100 additional gold boxes from the Alan and Simone Hartman collection will be offered in the second part of the sale, continuing the success of the A Park Avenue Treasury auction held in New York in June 2024.
Prior to the May 6 auction, Sotheby’s will exhibit highlights from the sale in Dubai (April 7–11), London (April 25–29), and at the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva in May.
For more details on the Fabergé animals from Castle Howard and the full auction, visit Sotheby’s website.
Featured image: Sotheby’s
Sewelo is a world where jewelry, watches, and objects come alive in a shimmering dance of fantasy. Through a literary lens, we celebrate the beauty and elegance that make these treasures more than just possessions.
