Decorated ostrich eggs appeared in Europe during the 13th century. The first explorers to navigate North Africa regarded these beautiful, curious large eggs as rare and amazing.
In the 1700-1800s, French, German and English artisans produced eggs of extraordinary beauty. Historians believe their works of art inspired the great Russian goldsmith Peter Carl Faberge' nearly a century later. Under his remarkable artistry, the simple egg became a priceless treasure. The Dovetail Gallery aquired one of these masterpieces in (DATE). Please click here to learn more: Fabergé Egg.
Egg decorating possibilities are as limitless as our imaginations. The most basic methods include dying them with natural products, including onionskins, berries and wood shavings, or covering them with reeds, seashells, string or beads. Each country has it's own unique techniques and traditions often overlapping with their neighboring countries. Eggshells are utilized but often they are made from wood, glass, and porcelain or carved from stone. As different as their designs, so too are the customs for gifting eggs.
