ANTIQUE 19th C MICROMOSAIC FRENCH JEWELRY CASKET BOX

A lovely, larger Grand Tour souvenir ring or jewelry box, mounted with fine micro-mosaic plaques, circa 1840 - 1860! Its delightful and rather scarce design for these caskets gives a nod to Pliny's Capitoline Doves by featuring three doves within medallions. As you may know the mosaic work is delicately composed, entirely by hand, of minute glass tesserae - including the soft blue ground. A microcosm of the grand mosaic works one finds in the cathedrals and grand buildings and ruins of ancient Rome, Florence, Sienna and elsewhere in that land of art and history beloved by all who have ever visited there; homage to an artistic tradition going back to the mosaics of the 2nd century BC, Hellenistic period. Can you imagine having the patience for such work, day in and day out?! The ultimate 19th century souvenir of Italy before there was such a thing as photography, these little gems, together with their pietra dura (marble mosaic) cousins, give us not only a glimpse into the taste of the elite Continental tourists of the day, but of a very fine quality of craftsmanship long gone. For us of modern times, the rare survivor among such treasure boxes is a special little jewel, just to hold. Needless to say, stunning on display!

The box is 3 1/2 inches wide, a bit over 2 inches tall and 1 3/4 inches deep. The micro-mosaic plaque itself is just under 2 inches long and one inch in height and is seated in a black oval which is about 2 7/8 inches wide.

Condition of the exterior of the box is near perfect, particularly for its age! Amazingly, the gilding of the ormolu is still bright and shiny, about 99% intact, with just a bit missing there in the crevice surrounding the plaque, where a century and a half's worth of dust and dusting ultimately took its toll. The central dove is still in perfect condition, with no chips or losses; and there are no chips or losses to the black glass. There are only a couple of very tiny losses in the two smaller medallions, the largest of which can be found on the right side - if not for our highly magnified images, you would need a loupe to find them. The box snaps tightly shut and all of its edges match up precisely as intended. The silk-lined interior, on the other hand, is a bit worse for wear: but it will not show when the box is closed. (I'll never tell!) We give that little thought, when we have such a very special example of this lost art, for the collector of antique micro-mosaics or small bronze and ormolu boxes! [809-01]

(click picture for more details & pictures)

Return Policy
We guarantee each of our items to be as described. We offer a 3-day return option for a full refund, less shipping costs and other non-refundable fees, such as PayPal and eBay fees. See the Ruby Lane Terms of Sale for details. If you are uncertain, please ask questions before purchase.

Shipping/Handling/Insurance Policy:
Buyer pays shipping, handling and insurance costs. Insurance is required.

US SHIPPING: We prefer to ship via USPS Priority Mail. Faster shipping is safer for your treasures! But, if you prefer another kind of shipping, please inquire before purchase.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: Depending on insurance value regulations of the USPS for your country, we use USPS Global Express Mail (EMS, USPS Priority International Mail or USPS Registered Mail; UPS for over-size items. All Customs duties, taxes, bank and currency exchange fees are the full responsibility of the buyer. Please do not ask us to falsify Customs forms.

Other Information:
Please send PayPal payments within 3 days of receiving shipping costs. International Buyer, please include your Telephone number for the shipping agent. New Jersey Buyer: Please add additional 7% for NJ Sales Tax, or provide a copy of a valid resale certificate.

Check out my other items!

Be sure to add me to your favorites list!

Please visit our Mezzetin Antiques gallery!