- 96
A gold-mounted pietra dura snuff box
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- width 7.5cm, 3in
Italy, circa 1820, the hardstone Opificio delle Pietre Dure, Florence; the mount struck with Kingdom of Sardinia control mark for 1824-1872
rectangular, the lid, sides and base of marble-lined lapis lazuli, inlaid in different hardstones on the lid and base with Antique vases, the gold mounts chased with Vitruvian scrolls and formal ornament
rectangular, the lid, sides and base of marble-lined lapis lazuli, inlaid in different hardstones on the lid and base with Antique vases, the gold mounts chased with Vitruvian scrolls and formal ornament
Condition
A most unusual and pleasing box although there are some cracks and restoration: a vertical haircrack is visible across the base and lining including the urn; the left and front lapis side panels have been cracked and restored including in each case small patches of infill; the rear agate panel of the lining has slipped, presumably during restoration, leaving a narrow gap along the base, not visible on the exterior.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The design of the box, incorporating Antique vessels on an irregularly-edged marble tabletop, may be attributed to Antonio Cioci, active at the Opificio from 1722-1792. A number of works in this style were executed by Carlo Carlieri, working 1802-1819. See Anna Maria Giusti, Il Museo dell'Opificio delle Pietre Dure a Firenze, 1978, vol. I, figs. 469-478; vol. II, p. 84 and Charles Truman, The Gilbert Collection of Gold Boxes, vol. I, 1991, p. 4.