A superb and undamaged large pietra dura (marble) mosaic plaque, c.1840-60s, set into a table or desk box that remains in very fine condition. The work is typical of Florentine stone mosaicists, and each piece was selected for the shading, hand cut and put into the basin of black marble. The work is still being done today, but these old ones are the finest. I have been to Florence many times, and Rome, and I see these in antique shops (one in particular, along the flanking road near the Ponte Vecchio - you might know the one). Some of them came from our shop, and when I see them there, they have tripled our price. I always suggest you buy yours from us ahead of your trip, as your own Grand Tour souvenir, and spend the extra money having another week in Italy.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. Not even a corner has been chipped, nipped, nothing. Raised on 4 carved feet, it is 3" tall, 8.5" long and 5 1/8" wide. The original lock works perfectly with the original key still attending (rare!). The interior is an unstained pale wood, and therein lies the closest thing to a flaw. On the inside lid, you can see there is what looks like some accidental stain or darkening to edges of that inner lid lining board. Perhaps it got wet at some point and drew some of the very dark wood stain of the outer box 'weeping' along the interior panel. I'm not sure, but it's a very small flaw, even calling it that. The box is perfect for display. I don't think we've had a nicer one in this wood style. Now watch, it'll be a Florence dealer who buys it. I'll see it there next time I go, and smile.
