Miniature Hippopotamus c. 1890

This Miniature Hippopotamus was carved by Faberzhe, in Russia, with stone. This work presents a hippopotamus at rest and invites reflection on Russia's historical relationship with the natural world, and the place of the wild animal in social life. Faberzhe was a famous jeweller who worked for the Russian Tsars. He was well known for making decorative objects in precious metal and gemstone and Faberzhe’s works are often associated with luxury and opulence. This hippo is made of a single piece of nephrite and reflects the fashion among elites for collecting curious objects from nature. The hippo motif in particular, seems like a self-conscious attempt to engage with the broader European tradition of representing the natural world. Historians of decorative art might consult Faberzhe's financial records, museum collection records, and other historical documents. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.