Italian, probably Milan, circa 1600 | Cameo with the Head of a Lion
Italian, probably Milan, circa 1600
Cameo with the Head of a Lion
tiger’s eye (in the 18th and 19th centuries this would have been termed cat’s eye), within a modern pendant mount
30.9mm., 1.21in.
Overall the condition of the stone is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a series of natural veins running through the stone, including two crossing diagonally at the nose of the lion. There is a slightly darker section of veining at the proper left side of the nose. There is a very small area of abrasion at the proper right eyebrow and an associated cluster of slightly visible natural veins at the proper left eyebrow. There is a speck of darker tone in the forehead. There is a concave area to the proper right side of the head, which is visible in J.L. Natter's drawing of circa 1750 (fig. 3 in the online catalogue); it's possible that there may be minor recarving in this area. There is a small abrasion at the lower lip on the proper left side. There are a few very minor abrasions to some of the high points of the fur. The mount is later and is slightly raised from the stone at the back. A small chip is visible under the mount on the proper right edge of the reverse and another very small one under the chin at the reverse.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation. The condition report is a statement of opinion only. For that reason, the condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE.