Russian Gold Book by Anonymous - 1905

St. Petersburg, 1905. 14-carat pendant in the form of a hinged book containing three leaves with fine engraving work. The text begins with a plaintive song which was apparently popular in the salons of pre-Revolutionary Russia, and which closes with the line "Farewell, my invaluable friend/ Do not forget me." This is followed by a poem about a late-blooming rose that dies. The selection closes with the aria from "The Demon" by Nikolai Rubenstein, the translation of which is "Forgive me heavenly creature that I disturbed your peace." These texts, together with the endearing diminutive used by the writer in addressing the recipient in the poem -- calling her Muroschka, or my little kitten -- suggests that this was created to commemorate some sort of liaison between members of the Russian aristocracy. Accompanying the delicate engraved script are the musical staves and three floral vignettes, all of which exhibit an accomplish artisan's level of skill. The covers are bejeweled, as follows: The upper cover is a masterwork of filigree work, with what appears to be a double "M" monogram in the center; on the rear is an engraved musical stave flanked by a lily of the valley rendered in diamonds, and a forget-me-not in turquoise. The pendant loop at the spine head is hallmarked, which indicates the location and approximate date. The extremely high level of craftsmanship evident in this piece evokes the work of Fabergé, although it is not signed as such. Whether it is the master's shop or not, this piece is an accurate reflection of the art of jewelry-making in Imperial Russia. A stunning object, housed in an elaborate black and purple morocco tray case. (2 3/4 by 1 1/4; 45 x 31mm).