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Inspired by Tsarina Alexandra's favorite flower,
the pink enameled egg presented on Easter 1898 is decorated with lily of
the valley pearl and diamond-set blossoms. These delicate sprays are
nestled among green enameled leaves that conceal a pearl "button" that
causes the ruby and diamond-set Imperial crown to raise. To the Tsarina's
delight, hidden beneath the finial is a trio of portraits representing her
husband and their two eldest daughters, the Grand Duchesses Olga and
Tatiana. The date of the egg's presentation, April 5, 1898, is engraved on
the reverse of the surprise.
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