Text adapted from Fabergé's Animals: A Royal Farm in Miniature & Royal Collection Online... ![]() Caesar, a Norfolk Terrier, was the loyal companion of King Edward VII. He was bred by the Duchess of Newcastle and presented to the King in 1903. Caesar quickly became the King's favourite dog and accompanied him everywhere. This Fabergé model was commissioned by the King in 1907 as part of a larger set of farmyard animals. It is made from chalcedony with cabochon ruby eyes and has a gold and enamelled collar which is inscribed 'I belong to the King'. Caesar achieved worldwide fame in 1910 when he followed the funeral procession of his master. He is immortalised in stone sitting at the feet of the King's tomb in St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Caesar was the King's favourite dog, and his collar was inscribed with 'I am Caesar. I belong to the King'. He achieved worldwide fame in 1910 when he joined the funeral procession of his master. A Pekingese carved from dark grey banded agate with creamy striations and rose diamond eyes. Queen Alexandra was particularly fond of small breeds such as Pekingese, Japanese Chins (known as Japanese spaniels at the time), Tibetan spaniels and papillons. These small dogs seemed to accompany her wherever she went, travelling to the different royal residences and also accompanying her abroad. In April 1905 Queen Alexandra received a gift of four pairs of Pekingese dogs from the Empress of Japan, but during the long and arduous journey all but one of the dogs died. Two of her favourites were called Little Marvel and Little Togo, and were contemporaries. This charming carving perfectly captures the endearing personality of the breed with its characteristic long, soft coat, black and white markings and expressive fluffy tail. In 1909 Fabergé's London ledgers reveal that the Duc d'Elchinger purchased a model of a Japanese spaniel called Togo in white chalcedony with two rubies for a cost of £29. Although it was clearly not this model, the fact that it was given a name in the ledger entry seems to indicate that it was a portrait carving. Vassilka, a borzoi, was a gift to King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra from Tsar Alexander III and Tsarina Maria Feodorovna. Queen Alexandra became well known as a breeder of borzois, with Vassilka one of her most successful dogs. He achieved champion status and won over 75 prizes in his lifetime. This fine silver model by Fabergé was commissioned by King Edward VII in 1907. A portrait model of a Clumber spaniel 'Sandringham Lucy' looking slightly downwards, carved in pale grey chalcedony with cabochon ruby eyes. King George V was particularly keen on Labrador retrievers and Clumber spaniels for his working dogs, and 'Sandringham Lucy' was a very fine example of the latter. The breed originated in France in the eighteenth century and was first bred in England by the Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire. This portrait model is both well observed and particularly endearing, and was purchased by King George V, when Prince of Wales, in 1909 at a cost of £102. Both Princess Victoria and the Prince of Wales (later King George V) owned poodles. Princess Victoria's poodle was called Sammy, and he was photographed on numerous occasions by the Princess herself. The variegated agate used by Fabergé's stone-carver provides a striking portrait, but no trace may be found in the London ledgers of the purchase of this distinctive dog and it is unclear whether it was intended as a portrait of Sammy. The Prince of Wales also owned a poodle, named Bobeche. A pug, standing with head turned to left and a haughty expression, carved in brown agate with rose diamond eyes. Previously thought to be a model of a griffon, this well-observed portrait has features that seem closer to those of one of the many pugs in royal ownership at the time of the commission, some of which were housed in the Sandringham kennels. Comments are closed.
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AuthorHowl-O! I'm Julia Jensen- devoted student of dogs & religious sampler of cheesecake, wheat beer, huehuetenango coffee & almost any chocolate out there. I indulge these fancies & more, in the remote silence of the pacific NW. *PLEASE NOTE* The videos selected for bloghism could be construed as "disturbing" to those of certain bents, sensitivities, natures, mind-sets, etc.. I have a distinct interest in relaying footage of dogs doing what they have been doing for centuries....& in some cases, I also include dog show footage just as a matter of interest. If you do not like my selections, by all means, do not view them. Archives
June 2024
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