AGATE AND CORAL CIGARETTE BOX ALFREDO RAVASCO, CIRCA 1925

The carved agate rectangular box surmounted with three carved coral tropical fish, signed A Ravasco to box, measurements approximately length 153mm, width 95mm, height 115mm (including fish).

Cf: Sotheby's Milan 27th June 2007, lot 314 for an example of an agate bowl by Alfredo Ravasco.

Agate box in very good condition, some growth banding of varying shades of brownish grey, good hinge mechanism to lid. Fish with minor signs of repair/restoration to tail and fin of two fish. Coral with natural imperfections, variations in colour. Two fish with one cabochon eye each, the remainder deficient. Traces of glue to base. One pearl in pale coral fish mouth, untested. Weighing approximately 866 grams. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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."

Alfredo Ravasco was born in Geneva in 1873.  He undertook an apprenticeship with his father, Giacomo Ravasco, and attended the courses held at the Brera Academy School in Milan.  He also spent time at the Milanese goldsmith, Eugenio Bellosio's workshop.  He reached the height of success in the 1920s and became one of the main representatives of the Modernist movement without ignoring more traditional concepts of jewellery design.

A connoisseur of 1920's Paris fashions, Ravasco created jewellery that was unique and stylish often with geometric patterns, using bright, sometimes contrasting colours as a background to diamonds and coloured stones.

Ravasco was meticulous in his art, paying the utmost attention to even the smallest detail in his favourite subjects fish, flowers, fruit, leaves.  His exceptional inventive ability with precious objects was also put to work in the Monstrance for the Catholic University's Chapel and in the small crown and buckle of the cope belonging to His Holiness Pope Pius XI.

His clients were Popes, Kings, Queens, the aristocracy of the day and the wealthy, they could see him at the world's main decorative arts and jewellery exhibitions Milan 1919, Paris and Monza in 1925 and New York in 1939 and several Venice Biennales.

Alfredo Ravasco died in 1958 with no next of kin and left his wealth and works to the Stelline Girls' Orphanage in Milan which sold the entire collection at a large public auction held at the Orphanage in 1961.