Gold Cigarette Case, Gabriel Nukkanen, Fabergé, Saint Petersburg.

Rectangular cigarette case with rounded corners, crafted from two-tone gold with a fineness of 56 zolotniks, representing a refined example of late 19th-century jewelry art, created in Saint Petersburg by master Gabriel Nukkanen for the house of Carl Fabergé. The surface of the body is adorned with a regular geometric pattern composed of engraved hexagons with radiating fluting, creating a complex play of light between the rose gold and yellow gold. The precise rhythm of the design lends the piece an architectural precision and underscores the elegant simplicity of its artistic conception.

The lid opens via a push button set with a natural ruby. The structure is embellished with a diamond setting: a central diamond of approximately 0.45 carats, complemented by old-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.8 carats. This integration of gemstones into functional elements is characteristic of Fabergé’s creations, where function becomes an expressive decorative accent.

The interior features a matte finish, highlighting the nobility of the gold and creating a delicate contrast with the richly crafted exterior. The piece is executed with remarkable precision, typical of Fabergé’s high-end productions. The use of two-tone gold and a strict geometric design reflects the artistic trends of the late 19th century, emphasizing rhythm, symmetry, and the perfection of the surface finish.

Hallmarks: Master’s mark “GN ”—Gabriel Nukkanen, master at the House of Fabergé, Saint Petersburg; Saint Petersburg hallmark with the mark “56” in an oval cartouche, dated prior to 1899.
Dimensions: 6 x 8.8 x 1.6 cm.
Weight: 152 g.
Condition: Good. The surface shows slight signs of wear consistent with the object’s age. The mechanism and clasp are in good working order.
Provenance: Private collection. According to family tradition, the object was exported from Russia to Poland in 1917, following the revolutionary events.

ID-ANTQ-16422