A Fabergé gold-mounted bowenite frame, workmaster: Michael Perchin, St. Petersburg, circa 1890

oval, flanked on each side by finely chased four-colour gold garlands of flowers, the hand-coloured photograph of Christian IX enclosed within a beaded aperture, ivory backing, marked Fabergé, with workmaster's initials and scratched inventory number 48657, 56 standard

Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, 5 December 1986 - 22 February 1987, cat. no. 190 
Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, 28 November 2003 - 12 April 2004, cat. no. 38 

Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, Munich, 1986, p. 159
Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, Munich, 2003, p. 156

The following condition report has been supplied by: Plowden & Smith Limited, 190 St. Ann's Hill, London SW18 2RT tel + 44 (0)20 8874 4005, fax + 44 (0)20 8874 7248, info@plowden-smith.co.uk www.plowden-smith.co.uk This oval frame is in good condition; the ivory backing is smaller than the frame, covering only the back of the painted portrait. The miniature has evidence of craquelure, otherwise in excellent condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In a letter dated 28 December 1894 Duchess Thyra wrote to her mother about this frame: "I am in high spirits due to the fact that today I have received the loveliest miniature of Papa in the sweet Russian frame. Louise [her sister-in-law and consort of the future King Frederick VIII] was so kind to arrange it for me in Copenhagen from the artist who painted her and Fredy".      

The coloured gold mounts finely chased with flowers complement the pale green bowenite, which has been cut to a remarkable thinness so as to enhance its translucency. The frame has been designed so that it could either be freestanding, supported by an easel strut, or hung from a suspension loop.