Cigarette Case

1911

Cigarette Case, 1911. House of Fabergé (Russian, 1842–1918), August Hollming (Finnish, 1854–after 1915). Silver, ruby, textile; overall: 10.2 cm (4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of the Hiller-Borneman Collection 2021.158 Fabergé offered variations of a cigarette case model such as this example, using different materials, surface treatments, and ornamentation. Accommodating individual clients’ wishes, the firm would also add a family insignia or additional decoration. The finely ridged surface demonstrates the superb handling of the precious metal by August Hollming, a Finnish master who worked for Fabergé in Saint Petersburg. The cigarette case also includes a compartment for a match striker.